Key Takeaways:
- Esteban Lepaul, aged 26, is highly unlikely to be available for Rennes’ UEFA Europa League fixture against Juventus on Thursday
- Lepaul scored a hat-trick of penalties against Paris FC on Sunday, but Rennes ultimately lost the match
- After being forced off in added time with a suspected ankle injury, Lepaul will now undergo further medical tests to determine the severity of the problem
Lepaul’s Hat-Trick Not Enough For Rennes
Stade Rennais have been dealt a major setback ahead of their crucial UEFA Europa League meeting with Juventus, as Esteban Lepaul, the club’s prolific forward, is extremely unlikely to feature on Thursday due to injury concerns. On Sunday, Lepaul delivered a standout performance by netting a hat-trick against Paris FC, with all of his goals coming from the penalty spot. Despite his efforts, Rennes failed to secure any points at the Stade Jean Bouin.
🚨🚨 AÏE AÏE AÏE… ESTEBAN LEPAUL 🇫🇷 DEVRAIT ÊTRE FORFAIT CONTRE LA JUVENTUS EN EUROPA LEAGUE JEUDI !!! ❌
L’attaquant rennais s’est blessé à la cheville. 🤕
🗞️ @lequipe https://t.co/lx0miM4sUn
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) October 18, 2026
Lepaul’s last contribution seemed destined to rescue a draw for Rennes, but the drama continued into injury time when Lassine Sinayoko, having been fouled by Valentin Rongier, stepped up to claim victory for Paris FC. This result propelled Paris FC to third position in Ligue 1, drawing level on points with current leaders Olympique Lyonnais.
Injury Concerns Ahead of Juventus Clash
By the time Sinayoko clinched the late win for Paris FC, Lepaul had already left the pitch. The France international, who has now become the top scorer in Ligue 1, had been forced off in added time. Following the match, Rennes manager Franck Haise expressed serious doubts about Lepaul’s chances of recovering in time for Thursday’s continental fixture against Juventus, stating: “Knowing him, if he is coming off in added time at 3-3, while we’re in the ascendancy, because he tells me that he can’t continue, I don’t see how, in the very short term, and Thursday is very short term, he can play.”
Haise further emphasised the gravity of the situation, saying: “If he couldn’t keep going, I know that it is a real problem.” At present, Lepaul is scheduled to undergo medical examinations to assess a suspected ankle issue that has put his participation in doubt.
As Rennes await further updates on Lepaul’s injury status, their preparations for the upcoming UEFA Europa League tie against Juventus face an unexpected challenge. The outcome of Lepaul’s tests will be critical for both the club’s European aspirations and their campaign in Ligue 1.
