Hazard out as Lens face PSG in curtain-raiser

Hazard's absence: the problem it creates

Hazard has been one of Lens's more reliable creative outlets, and losing him to suspension for a one-off final is exactly the kind of thing that tends to define these curtain-raisers before a ball is kicked. Dino Toppmöller will need to reorganise around that gap against a PSG side that, whatever their summer looks like, rarely show up underprepared for a trophy occasion.

Édouard's fitness race

The more encouraging subplot is Odsonne Édouard, who had been carrying an adductor complaint in the build-up. According to Foot Mercato, Édouard appears to have made the squad, which would be a significant boost for Lens's attacking options. Whether he is fit enough to start or is simply available from the bench is not yet clear, but his presence in the group at all is better news than Lens could have expected a few days ago.

What's at stake

The Trophée des Champions is France's traditional season opener, matching the Ligue 1 champions against the Coupe de France winners, and it carries genuine weight for a club like Lens. PSG have made this competition something close to a personal property over the years, and Lens arriving at kick-off on 16 August without Hazard is a handicap they could have done without. Toppmöller goes in short of his most reliable creative option, but with Édouard apparently through an adductor scare and in the squad.