LIGUE 1 – RC Lens has officially kicked off their 2025-2026 preseason training at La Gaillette, but manager Pierre Sage is already facing significant squad dilemmas. Eight key players are currently absent due to international commitments, with their returns staggered throughout July, as reported by L’Équipe. This presents an immediate headache for Sage as he looks to build cohesion for the new campaign.
The first wave of international players expected back on July 3 includes Salis Abdul Samed, Ismaëlo Ganiou, and Souleymane Sagnan. A week later, on July 10, Jeremy Agbonifo, Hervé Koffi, Deiver Machado, and Facundo Medina are slated to rejoin the squad.
Finally, Andy Diouf, fresh off his Euro U21 campaign, won’t be back until July 17. This staggered return forces Sage to work with a reduced squad for the initial phase of preseason.
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Injury Boosts Offer Some Relief
Despite the international absences, there’s a glimmer of hope with the return of two long-term injured players, Rémy Labeau-Lascary and Jhoanner Chavez. Both resumed training on June 23 at Avion. L’Équipe indicates a structured return schedule, with two sessions planned for Monday, one on July 1, and two more on July 2. This schedule remains flexible based on the players’ fitness as the team prepares for their first friendly match against Boulogne-sur-Mer on July 5.
Sage’s Preseason Balancing Act
With a fragmented squad and key players integrating at different times, Pierre Sage will need to exercise patience and adaptability. A meticulous preseason preparation will be crucial to progressively integrate the international players and the returning injured stars, all while ensuring overall team cohesion before the start of the Ligue 1 season. The challenge for Sage will be to hit the ground running despite these early hurdles.
