Hertha boosted by trio's return

Hertha BSC Berlin have mixed injury news ahead of the visit of RC Lens in what looks set to be a crucial UEFA Cup Group C fixture.

Trio return
The Bundesliga side are without midfielder Oliver Schröder, who has sustained severe bruising to his foot while Gilberto has only just begun light training after an ankle problem. On the other hand, Marcelinho, Yildiray Bastürk and Andreas Neuendorf have fully recovered from injuries and can play, although Christian Müller remains on the sidelines with a broken leg.

'International standing'
Lens, like Hertha, have three points, but the Ligue 1 club have played two rather than one games. Hertha coach Falko Götz, whose team lost 2-0 at BV Borussia Dortmund on Saturday and are fifth in the Bundesliga, said: "Hertha have an international standing and we have to match them on all fronts." General manager Dieter Hoeness added: "This is the top match in our group."

Draw specialists
UEFA Intertoto Cup winners Lens have been draw specialists in domestic football, with eight of their last nine Ligue 1 games - including Saturday's goalless game against FC Metz - ending all square. However, they bounced back from their opening Group C loss at FC Steaua Bucuresti by defeating Halmstads BK 5-0 on Matchday 2 and striker Daniel Cousin is enjoying playing on the European stage.

'Fresh air'
"Fresh air cannot be harmful to us mentally," said Cousin. "And at the other end it won't be Metz, with respect to them, but an attacking team who will leave us openings. But we'll have to impose our play and especially not hesitate in finishing or in the final pass." Malian defender Adama Coulibaly is not in the squad, rested by coach Francis Gillot while captain and midfielder Jérôme Leroy is out due to a slight knee injury.