Champions League side threaten to play reserves vs Atletico Madrid in huge protest

Lille boss Bruno Genesio claimed he'll play the reserves during the Ligue 1 side's trip to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League next month.

The French outfit began their Champions League campaign with a disappointing 2-0 defeat away to Sporting last week - a match that saw England international Angel Gomes sent off.

It was a double blow for Gomes and Lille, given the midfielder will now be forced to sit out next week's clash against reigning European champions Real Madrid at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium.

But it's a match against Real's rivals, Atletico, for which Genesio has threatened to roll the kids out, having been left frustrated by the club's schedule.

Lille have been pencilled in to play three away trips in the space of eight days - the third of which is a clash against heated rivals RC Lens three days after the Atletico tie.

Commenting on the fixture congestion, Genesio said: "Surprised, that's an understatement. I'm... I don't even want to say the word because I want to be polite. It's irresponsible, even if I know this won't make any friends [...] to go to Monaco, Madrid, and then Lens on Saturday, it's just scandalous."

Before issuing a tongue-in-cheek response: "Maybe we'll go to Madrid with the reserve team to save ourselves for the derby. And then we'd be criticised for not giving everything to the Champions League."

Such drastic action is unlikely to be necessary on Genesio's part, but the 58-year-old's comments come amid an ongoing debate surrounding player welfare in football.

Earlier this month Manchester City star Rodri opened up about the demands placed on professional players in the modern game.

Speaking ahead of a Champions League clash, the midfielder said: "I think we are close to that. I think if you ask any player he will say the same.

"It is not the opinion of Rodri or whatever. I think it's the general opinion of the players.

"And if it keeps this way, there will be a moment where we have no other option, I really think, but let's see. I don't know what's going to happen but it's something that worries us because we are the guys that suffer."

Less than a week later, the Spanish international suffered a knee injury and is expected to be out for the remainder of the season.

Lille take on Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital on 23 October.