Lens’ Massaido Haïdara and David Pereira Da Costa absent from Arsenal clash | OneFootball

Franck Haise has confirmed that Massaido Haïdara (30) and David Pereira Da Costa (22) are the only absentees for RC Lens ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League match against Arsenal.

Lens welcome Arsenal to the Stade Bollaert in the second round of group-stage matches. The former secured a draw in their opener against Sevilla, whilst the latter hammered PSV 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium. Speaking at Monday’s pre-match press conference, Haise confirmed that Haïdara and Da Costa are Lens’ only injury concerns. “We’ll have a pretty similar group to the one that faced Strasbourg,” said Haise.

Haïdara is out with a thigh injury, whilst Da Costa is recovering from a shoulder injury. During the press conference, transcribed by L’Équipe, Haise labelled Arsenal as the favourites to top the group. However, striker Florian Sotoca said that Lens will try and make it difficult for the visiting Gunners in what is a special night for Lens. European football is making its first appearance at the Stade Bollaert for the first time in 20 years.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle