Jemaa knee injury costs Lens

Issam Jemaa will miss RC Lens's UEFA Cup group-stage opener against CA Osasuna on 2 November after damaging knee ligaments in a CAF African Cup of Nations qualifier.

Fine form
The Tunisian international forward returned from his country's match against Sudan carrying an injury and scans have revealed that he will need three weeks to recover. The 22-year-old has been in fine form for the northern French club, starting four of their eight Ligue 1 games so far following six substitute appearances last season.

Club hero
Jemaa will sit out three or four league fixtures, including Sunday night's visit of Olympique de Marseille. He is regarded as something of a hero at Lens after his late goal against UC Sampdoria last term earned his side a place in the UEFA Cup knockout stage. This time around, they face Osasuna, Odense BK, Parma FC and SC Heerenveen in Group D.