Seven absentees and many questions

Eighteen players have been called by Frédéric Antonetti to take on Paris Saint-Germain, for only two changes in comparison to the squad selected to face Reims. Jirès Kembo is injured and replaced in the squad by youngster Frank Julienne, while Nicolas Douchez returns from suspension and recovers his position to the detriment of Abdoulaye Diallo.

Tongo Doumbia, was four-match ban ended with the game against Reims will still have to wait for some time before returning in Rennes’ squad. The midfielder, forfeit for the first game of the year against Cannes, is still suffering with pubic pains, and had to reduce his training session to a long jogging on Thursday, according to Ouest-France. The date of his return is yet to be confirmed.

The injuries of Kembo and Doumbia are adding their names to an endless list of unavailable players. The Rennes squad is certainly expecting another very hard period before the return of their injured. As for Frédéric Antonetti, once again, he will only have reduced options at the time to putting together his starting eleven. Pretty bad news, as one of the traditionally key phases of the season is opening.

Paris Saint-Germain, however will arrive to Brittany in a very different situation. Antoine Kombouaré will rely on the near-totality of his squad, with the only Peguy Luyindula missing with a hip injury.

Stade rennais FC

- Goalkeepers : Carrasso, Douchez
- Defenders : Boye, Danzé, Jebbour, Kana-Biyik, Souprayen, Théophile-Catherine
- Mildfielders : Brahimi, Lemoine, Leroy, M’Vila, Tettey
- Forwards : Boukari, Camara, Julienne, Montaño, Verhoek

• Injured: Apam (knee), Dalmat (thigh), Doumbia (pubis), Kembo (thigh), Mandjeck (thigh), Mangane (thigh), Marveaux (thigh)
• Suspended : n/a
• Manager’s decision : Diallo, Dembélé, Kandji, Caro, Issah

Paris Saint-Germain

- Goalkeepers: Coupet, Edel
- Defenders : Armand, Camara, Ceara, Jallet, Sakho, Tiéné, Traoré
- Midfielders : Bodmer, Chantôme, Clément, Makelele
- Strikers : Erding, Giuly, Hoarau, Maurice, Nenê

• Injured: Luyindula (hip)
• Suspended : n/a
• Manager’s decision : Aréola, Makonda, Touré, Kebano, Makhedjouf