RC Lens will be without Croatian defender Franjo Ivanovic for Sunday’s Ligue 1 showdown against Olympique de Marseille, with the club confirming Friday that the Benfica loanee has been placed under a concussion protocol following a head knock in the club’s 9-1 Champions League defeat to Como. The match kicks off Sunday at 8:45 p.m. local time at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens, France.
The announcement comes two days after Lens endured its heaviest European defeat in recent memory, falling 9-1 to Italian side Como on Wednesday. Ivanovic, who joined Lens on loan from Benfica, collided in an aerial duel roughly 15 minutes into the first half and remained on the pitch despite the impact, though he appeared visibly affected before being substituted at halftime. Medical examinations conducted since have led the club to activate a concussion protocol, ruling him out for the Marseille fixture and for Croatia’s upcoming international gathering, for which he had been called up.
Ouest-France reported that the protocol requires Ivanovic to pass a series of tests before any return to competition is considered, since symptoms can emerge hours or even days after the initial blow.
Lens Prepare for Marseille Amid Fan Pressure
The injury adds to a turbulent week for the Sang et Or. On Friday, November 6, Lens supporters issued a stinging public statement directly challenging the club following the Como debacle, with Ouest-France quoting the message as saying “a red line has been crossed” and calling for sanctions.
What the Concussion Protocol Means for Ivanovic’s Return
Under standard concussion management, a player must complete graduated return-to-play testing before resuming matches. Because symptoms can develop days after impact, no return date has been set for Ivanovic. The Croatia international will therefore miss both the clash with Marseille and his national team duties, extending an absence that began when he was substituted against Como.
How to Follow Sunday’s Match
Lens host Marseille at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Sunday at 8:45 p.m. CET (7:45 p.m.
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