RC Strasbourg Alsace’s priorities have been clear in recent weeks. Their focus has been on winning one of the cup competitions in order to facilitate a European qualification for next season. One cup, the Coupe de France, slipped through their fingers earlier this week, when they were dumped out by OGC Nice at the semi-final stage.

Gary O’Neil is preparing his side for their UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final against Rayo Vallecano. As a result, Sunday’s game against FC Lorient has become a low priority. It will therefore be a weakened side that will face Les Merlus at the Moustoir.

Strasbourg also have absences to contend with. Aaron Anselmino, Valentin Barco, Mathis Amougou, and Joaquin Panichelli also miss out due to injury, whilst Guéla Doué is out due to illness.

Mike Penders; Rafael Luis, Yoann Becker, Lucas Hogsberg, Amadou Cissé; Maxi Oyedele, Junior Mwanga; Sébastien Nanasi, Samuel Amo-Ameyaw, Gessime Yassine; David Datro Fofana. (L’Éq)