Key Takeaways
- Valentín Barco is suspended and injured, ruling him out of the first leg.
- Guéla Doué has not recovered from illness and will miss the clash.
- Julio Enciso will start up front, with Emanuel Emegha on the bench.
RC Strasbourg Alsace face a difficult task in their UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final first leg against Rayo Vallecano on Thursday evening. Manager Gary O’Neil must plan without several key players due to injuries, illness and suspension.
Valentín Barco will not feature against the Spanish club. The defender has not appeared on the pitch since picking up an injury during the match against Mainz. He also cannot play because he is serving a suspension, which makes him ineligible for this fixture.
Guéla Doué is another absentee. The player was hoping to recover from an illness in time for the clash, but he has not regained full fitness and will miss the game.
The injury list also includes Aaron Anselmino and Joaquín Panichelli, who remain sidelined. David Datro Fofana is also unlikely to appear, although he does not have a physical injury.
In attack, Julio Enciso is set to start as the main striker. Emanuel Emegha will begin on the bench as he continues to regain match fitness after returning from his own injury problem.
According to L’Équipe, the predicted starting eleven is: Mike Penders in goal; a defence of Ben Chilwell, Ismael Doukouré, Andrew Omobamidele and Abdoul Ouattara; Maxi Oyedele and Samir El Mourabet in midfield; with Sébastien Nanasi, Martial Godo and Diego Moreira supporting Julio Enciso in attack.