M’Vila will be in Gerland

After falling heavily on his back against Belgium two days ago, will Yann M’Vila start the game this Friday, at Gerland against the Olympique Lyonnais? At the moment, the question remains asked, even though the presence of the French international in the squad called by Frédéric Antonetti gives us a first element to answer it. With an eighteen –man squad traveling to Lyon, Mvila will start –at least – on the bench.
The young Rennais, who was still wearing a neck brace at La Piverdière yesterday afternoon, comes to complete a midfield without any absentees.

The only one to be possibly noted would be Mandjeck, since he should be covering once again for injuries at centre-back. The Cameroonese should start alongside Kana-Biyik, with John Boye and Kader Mangane still out. According to Ouest-France, both players could be returning to training on Monday, along with Yacine Brahimi. For the former, this comeback would fit in the planning set since he injured a thigh muscle in September; for the latter two, who have been suffering with recurrent ankle injuries, this “return” could be the start of a slow recovery program.

As well as Brahimi, the attacking sector will also be left without Razak Boukari, back from international duty with a knee injury. In terms of numbers, the Togolese is replaced by Cheick Fantamady Diarra, who appears in the professional squad for the second time. Slightly injured during the week, respectively to the ankle and to the adductors, Kévin Théophile-Catherine and Jonathan Pitroipa will be included in the trip to Lyon.
Finally, Stéphane Dalmat remains out of the squad. Having suffered an adductors injury before the international break, there has been no indication whether the pain is persisting or if the midfielder has been left out of the squad in purpose by Frédéric Antonetti.

Stade rennais FC

- Goalkeepers : Costil, Diallo
- Defenders : Danzé, Jebbour, Kana-Biyik, Mandjeck, Mavinga, Théophile-Catherine
- Midfielders : Doumbia, Féret, M’Vila, Pajot, Tettey
- Forwards : Diarra, Hadji, Kembo, Montaño, Pitroipa

• Injured : Boukari (knee), Boye (thigh), Brahimi (ankle), Mangane (ankle)
• Suspended : n/a
• Manager’s Decision : N’Diaye, Foulquier, Kandji, Dalmat, Doucouré, Issah, Rouger, Sané

- Photo : srfc.frenchwill.fr