Mamadou Sarr is fresh from his exploits at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which he won with Senegal. He returns to RC Strasbourg Alsace and he is straight back in the line-up to face Lille OSC.

Sarr is expected to captain Gary O’Neill’s side in Lille this evening, alongside Ismael Doukouré. Matthis Amougou misses out on this game through injury, whilst the game comes too soon for Maxi Oyedele. Rabby Nzingoula is edging towards an exit from Strasbourg and he will not be in the matchday squad. 

Up front, O’Neil is set to opt to start Joaquín Panichelli, with club captain Emanuel Emegha starting the crunch encounter from the bench. Chelsea loanee Kendry Paez is not expected to start for Le Racing.

Strasbourg likely line-up v Lille

Mike Penders; Ben Chilwell, Ismael Doukouré, Mamadou Sarr, Guéla Doué; Samir El-Mourabet, Valentín Barco; Martial Godo, Julio Enciso, Diego Moreira; Joaquín Panichelli. (L’Éq)