RC Lens face a crucial test in their Ligue 1 title chase on Friday night as they host FC Nantes, but manager Pierre Sage must navigate a squad hit hard by suspensions and injuries. The team, currently pushing to overtake Paris Saint-Germain at the top of the table, will field a lineup that resembles a B-side in key areas.

Three players are sidelined due to suspension: Saud Abdulhamid, Mamadou Sangaré, and Adrien Thomasson. The latter two are particularly significant losses, as they form the first-choice midfield pairing. Stepping into their roles will be Amadou Haidara and Andrija Bulatovic, who have the opportunity to prove their worth in a high-stakes match.

The attacking line also takes a hit, with star forwards Allan Saint-Maximin and Florian Thauvin both ruled out by injury. In their absence, Abdallah Sima is expected to start on the left wing, while Florian Sotoca shifts to the right side. Odsonne Édouard is likely to lead the line, supported by a reshuffled front three.

Here is the projected starting XI for Lens: Robin Risser in goal; a back four of Malang Sarr, Samson Baidoo, and Ismaelo Ganiou; midfielders Matthieu Udol, Amadou Haidara, Andrija Bulatovic, and Ruben Aguilar; and forwards Abdallah Sima, Odsonne Édouard, and Florian Sotoca. This lineup, reported by L'Équipe, highlights the depth challenges Lens face as they aim to keep their title hopes alive against a determined Nantes side.