Kembo is there, not Boukari

Hurt to the thigh at training on Wednesday morning, Jirès Kembo doesn’t seem to be suffering with a serious injury according to the medical examination he underwent since. After a light training session on Thursday, the forward has been declared fit to play in the derby against Stade Brest. According to Ouest-France and L’Équipe, the coaching staff remains cautious because of the previous injuries suffered by the young player, whose presence at kick-off remains uncertain. A squad of nineteen players has therefore been called for this game, with youngster Fantamady Diarra keeping himself ready to cover for a possible absence.

Beside the little issues suffered by Kembo, the attacking sector will once again be left without Razak Boukari, suffering with a thigh injury since the game against Udinese. The Togolese is missing once again, just like Kader Mangane who is still recovering of his ankle issues. Not completely ready for this game, the Rennes captain will have to wait for a few more days before he returns.
In defence, one suspended player will replace another since Boye – dismissed in Nice – is replaced by Kana-Biyik, who has now served his ban. Kévin Théophile-Catherine, who followed a reduced training schedule all week, is finally included in the squad but he remains doubtful, according to L’Équipe.

After the rout in Nice, Frédéric Antonetti could also decide to do several adjustments to his starting eleven. Beyond the defensive changes due to possible absence, there could be some changes at midfield, with Pajot seemingly likely to replace Doumbia. Upfront, Youssouf Hadji could start at centre-forward, with Montaño and Kembo in competition to play on the right wing.

For Brest, Alex Dupont is facing numerous injuries due to injuries, most of term long-term absences. Kantari, Ferradj and Martial are unavailable, while Brou Apanga continues returning to full fitness with the CFA2 following a big injury.
Guidileye and Culma are also absent at midfield, as is forward Larsen Touré. The main uncertainty is who will play at left back, with Lorenzi and Daf in competition to start the game.

Stade rennais FC

- Goalkeepers : Costil, Diallo
- Defenders : Danzé, Jebbour, Kana-Biyik, Mandjeck, Mavinga, Théophile-Catherine
- Midfielders : Doumbia, Féret, M’Vila, Pajot, Tettey
- Forwards : Brahimi, Diarra, Hadji, Kembo, Montaño, Pitroipa

• Injured : Mangane (fitness), Boukari (thigh)
• Suspended : Boye
• International : Qasmi, Sané
• Manager’s decision: N’Diaye, Apam, Foulquier, Kandji, Dalmat, Doucouré, Issah, Rouger

Stade brestois 29

- Goalkeepers : Cappone, Elana
- Defenders : Baysse, Coulibaly, Daf, Gentiletti, Lorenzi, Makonda, Zebina
- Midfielders : Ewolo, Grougi, Lesoimier, Licka
- Forwards : Ayité, Ben Basat, Micola, Poyet, Roux

• Injured : Kantari (Achilles), Ferradj (knee), Martial (thigh), Guidileye (meniscus), Touré (psoas), Culma (hip)
• Suspended : n/a
• Manager’s decision : Hartock, Bigné, Soumah, Brou Apanga

- Photo : srfc.frenchwill.fr