Ethan Mbappé to miss Lille’s next three European matches after red card

Ethan Mbappé will miss Lille’s next three European matches following his dismissal against Betis Sevilla on September 8, in the opening round of the Champions League. That match ended 2-3. The player is also listed as absent ahead of Lille’s trip to Arsenal, scheduled for Tuesday at 21:00 in the second round of the league phase.

The fixture comes after a frustrating start for Lille, who lost 2-3 at home to Betis Sevilla in early September. They will try to pick up points away to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, where a major challenge awaits. Davide Ancelotti’s side, however, come into the match after a 1-0 win over Le Havre on Saturday and sit second in the French league.

Arsenal are also second in their domestic league. Last weekend, the London club beat Leeds 2-1. Lille will therefore be looking to recover in Europe against an opponent coming off a domestic victory of its own. Davide Ancelotti’s players will try to upset the Gunners on their home ground.

Olivier Giroud had spoken of his excitement at returning to the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League for this match against Arsenal. The Lille striker hoped to make a major impact with Les Dogues and remind the Gunners of his threat. “One thing is certain: Lille will have to be at its best. At its best if we are to have a chance of winning this match and competing with this very good Arsenal team,” he said on Monday.

Kylian Mbappé’s younger brother was also returning from the Bleuets’ camp with an injury, having been forced to leave early. Giroud, who spoke to the press on Monday, might not start against his former club. Lille’s task is to come back from London with valuable points after the defeat to Betis, while dealing with Ethan Mbappé’s announced absence.