Lens Team News - Soccer

Matthieu Udol - Available after suspension Udol is available for selection again after serving his suspension following a straight red card against Lyon.

Impact Udol returns to contention after missing Lens' clash against Troyes on Oct. 17 due to the suspension he received for his dismissal against Lyon. The defender was sent off in the 85th minute, shortly after scoring his side's second goal. Having made seven appearances across all competitions this season after starting 33 of 34 Ligue 1 matches last term, Udol remains an important part of Lens' defensive setup and is expected to compete for an immediate return to the starting lineup against Paris FC.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Ismaelo Ganiou - Set to undergo knee tests Ganiou exited Saturday's 3-1 win over Troyes due to a knee injury and will undergo tests to determine the extent of the injury, according to Actu Ligue 1.

Impact Ganiou's injury doesn't look good, and tests will be needed to determine how long he'll be out for. This injury practically rules him out for the Oct. 21 match against Troyes, and it remains to be seen just how many games he'll end up missing.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Ruben Aguilar - Sustains ankle injury Saturday Aguilar suffered an ankle injury in Saturday's 3-1 win over Troyes, according to Actu Ligue 1.

Impact Aguilar departed the game in the second half due to the injury and will have to undergo tests to determine the extent of the injury. Right now, he's considered uncertain to play against Club Brugge on Wednesday in the Champions League. If he's out, Saud Abdulhamid could start in his place.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Jhoanner Chavez - Fit but out of plans Chavez is fit but remains outside Lens' immediate plans after being left out of the squad since the beginning of the season.

Impact Chavez has been overlooked for consecutive fixtures despite being available for selection, missing both the Ligue 1 clash against Lyon on Oct. 9 and Tuesday's Champions League encounter against Sporting CP. The full-back appears to have fallen down the defensive pecking order, with the coaching staff favoring other options in recent matches. His lack of involvement raises doubts about his immediate prospects for playing time, although he remains physically available should the team require additional defensive depth.

3 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Jonathan Gradit - Targeting return next week Gradit (muscle) has been ruled out for Saturday's Ligue 1 clash against Troyes after remaining limited to individual training throughout the week, according to coach Yannick Cahuza...

Impact Gradit will miss his second consecutive match after sitting out Tuesday's Champions League clash against Sporting CP due to muscular discomfort sustained during the previous encounter against Lyon. The defender was forced off in the 53rd minute of that contest, having only recently returned from a lengthy absence caused by a tibia and fibula fracture. Coach Cahuzac is taking a cautious approach to avoid another setback, with Gradit restricted to individual training this week and expected to resume activities next week. The center-back had gradually rebuilt his playing time with appearances of 55 minutes against Le Mans, 45 against Monaco and 53 against Lyon before his latest injury. Samson Baidoo could continue to benefit from additional opportunities in central defense during his absence.

3 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

French soccer ethics body calls on fans to keep politics out of stadiums amid student protests

The ethics body of the French soccer federation has urged fans to stay neutral amid nationwide student protests

3 DAYS AGO • Associated Press

Robin Risser - Concedes twice against Sporting Risser recorded three saves and allowed two goals in Tuesday's 2-0 loss to Sporting CP.

Impact Risser made three saves, including an impressive first-half stop against Luis Suarez, but was unable to prevent Sporting from scoring twice. The goalkeeper has now conceded four goals while making six saves across two Champions League appearances this season. His difficult start to the campaign has seen him concede 14 goals without a clean sheet in eight appearances across all competitions. Risser will look to improve those numbers against Troyes in Ligue 1 on Saturday before facing Club Brugge in the Champions League on Oct. 21.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Florian Thauvin - Creates nine chances in defeat Thauvin generated three shots (two on goal), 15 crosses (five accurate) and five corners in Tuesday's 2-0 loss versus Sporting CP. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 81...

Impact Thauvin was Lens' main attacking outlet, registering three shots, including two on target, while creating nine chances and delivering 15 crosses. Despite his extensive involvement, the attacking midfielder was unable to break down Sporting's defense as Lens suffered their first European defeat of the campaign. He has now accumulated one goal, 11 shots, 13 chances created and 25 crosses across two Champions League appearances this season, underlining his central role in Lens' attacking production.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Lens vs. Sporting CP: Extended Highlights | UCL League Phase MD 2

5 DAYS AGO • YOUTUBE

Jhoanner Chavez - Won't be option in UCL Chavez (undisclosed) is not in the squad for Tuesday's Champions League match against Sporting CP.

Impact Chavez has missed the squad for a second straight game, as he was also left out of the squad for the previous Ligue 1 tilt against Lyon on Oct. 9. The full-back will aim to return to the squad against Troyes on Saturday.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Thorgan Hazard - Available after tactical omission Hazard is available for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Sporting CP after being left out of Friday's match against Lyon for tactical reasons, according to coach Yannick Ca...

Impact Hazard was omitted from the squad against Lyon despite being fit, with his absence resulting from a coaching decision rather than an injury. The Belgian winger had been included in every previous matchday squad this season, making Friday's omission a change from his usual involvement. He remains available for selection against Sporting, although his playing time will depend on the attacking options preferred by the coaching staff.

OCTOBER 12 • ROTOWIRE

Jean-Clair Todibo - Cleared for Sporting clash Todibo (undisclosed) is available for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Sporting CP after missing Friday's match against Lyon, according to coach Yannick Cahuzac, per Lensoi...

Impact Todibo missed Friday's Ligue 1 clash against Lyon due to an undisclosed injury but has recovered in time for Tuesday's Champions League meeting with Sporting CP. The French center-back was back in training Monday and has now been cleared for selection, putting him in contention for an immediate return to the starting lineup. With Jonathan Gradit ruled out after suffering a muscular setback against Lyon, Todibo's availability provides Lens with an important defensive option.

OCTOBER 12 • ROTOWIRE

Jonathan Gradit - Ruled out against Sporting Gradit (muscular) has been ruled out for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Sporting CP after suffering an injury during Friday's match against Lyon, according to coach Yanni...

Impact Gradit was forced off in the 53rd minute against Lyon after experiencing muscular discomfort, having recently returned from a lengthy absence due to a tibia and fibula fracture. The defender has gradually rebuilt his playing time, featuring for 55 minutes against Le Mans, 45 against Monaco and 53 against Lyon. His latest setback will keep him out against Sporting, with his availability for Saturday's clash against Troyes dependent on further medical evaluations. Samson Baidoo could see increased playing time in central defense during his absence.

OCTOBER 12 • ROTOWIRE

Jonathan Gradit - Remains doubtful for Sporting clash Gradit (muscle) did not participate in Monday's training session and remains unlikely to feature in Tuesday's Champions League meeting with Sporting CP, according to Lensois.

Impact Gradit continues to deal with muscular discomfort after being forced off in the 53rd minute of Friday's Ligue 1 match against Lyon. The defender has been gradually rebuilding his fitness following a serious leg fracture sustained in November 2025, having played 55 minutes against Le Mans, 45 against Monaco and 53 against Lyon. His absence from Monday's session further reduces his chances of featuring Tuesday, with Samson Baidoo among the options to replace him in the starting lineup. Gradit's recovery will continue to be monitored, with a potential return against Troyes still uncertain.

OCTOBER 12 • ROTOWIRE

Thorgan Hazard - Rejoins preparations for European clash Hazard took part in Lens' training session Monday ahead of Tuesday's Champions League fixture against Sporting CP after being omitted from Friday's squad against Lyon for tactical...

Impact Hazard was left out of the squad against Lyon despite having been included in every previous Lens matchday squad this season. His absence was a tactical decision rather than an injury-related issue, and his participation in Monday's session confirms he remains available for selection. The winger could return to the squad against Sporting CP, although his involvement will depend on the available attacking options and the coaching staff's selection decisions.

OCTOBER 12 • ROTOWIRE

Jean-Clair Todibo - Back in training ahead of Sporting clash Todibo (undisclosed) participated in Monday's training session ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash against Sporting CP after missing Friday's Ligue 1 match against Lyon, acco...

Impact Todibo returned to training after being left out of the squad against Lyon, suggesting he is making progress toward full fitness. The center-back had already resumed training last week but was not considered ready for competitive action. His participation in Monday's session improves his chances of returning to the matchday squad against Sporting CP, although his availability has yet to be confirmed. With Jonathan Gradit dealing with a muscular issue, Todibo could provide an additional defensive option if cleared to play.

OCTOBER 12 • ROTOWIRE

Jonathan Gradit - Likely out against Sporting CP Gradit (undisclosed) is expected to miss Tuesday's Champions League clash against Sporting CP after experiencing muscular discomfort during Friday's Ligue 1 match against Lyon, but...

Impact Gradit was forced off in the 53rd minute against Lyon after experiencing muscle discomfort, with coach Yannick Cahuzac indicating that the substitution was precautionary. The 33-year-old defender is still working his way back to full fitness after suffering a fractured tibia and fibula in November 2025, having played 55 minutes against Le Mans, 45 against Monaco and 53 against Lyon since returning to action. Although his latest setback is not believed to be serious, Lens are expected to avoid unnecessary risks Tuesday, with Samson Baidoo likely to replace him in the starting XI against Sporting CP. Gradit could return to contention for Saturday's trip to Troyes, depending on his recovery progress.

OCTOBER 11 • ROTOWIRE

Florian Thauvin - Two assists in stellar service effort Thauvin assisted twice to go with two shots (two on goal), 10 crosses (five accurate) and seven corners in Friday's 2-1 win against Lyon.

Impact Thauvin was on fire, with half of his 10 crosses being accurate to go along with seven corners. He eventually got two assists, helping Lens get three points. Thauvin should maintain this volume against Sporting CP, but assists will be harder to come by against a squad that has only allowed nine goals in eight matches in domestic action.

OCTOBER 10 • ROTOWIRE

Florian Sotoca - Scores in win Sotoca scored one goal to go with four shots (two on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Friday's 2-1 win versus Lyon.

Impact Sotoca was able to make the most of his chances, putting half of his shots on target and finding a goal. He will likely need more volume to get past Sporting CP on Tuesday in UEL play as the team has only conceded nine goals in eight domestic league matches.

OCTOBER 10 • ROTOWIRE

Robin Risser - Gives up late goal Risser made four saves and allowed one goal in Friday's 2-1 victory versus Lyon.

Impact Risser was solid in Friday's win, making four saves. He did give up a late goal to create some tension for Lens but it didn't matter in the end. He will be challenged in UEL action against a Sporting CP side that has scored 20 goals in eight domestic league games.

OCTOBER 10 • ROTOWIRE

RC Lens vs Lyon | Highlights | Ligue 1 Lens vs Lyon delivered a tense Ligue 1 clash. Florian Thauvin played a decisive role, while an unexpected moment changed the game’s dramatic...

OCTOBER 9 • BEINSPORTS.COM

Early season runs grind to a halt as Lyon loses at Lens and Dortmund held by Bremen

Lens has ended Lyon’s unbeaten start to Ligue 1 with goals from Florian Sotoca and Matthieu Udol in a 2-1 victory

OCTOBER 9 • Associated Press

Matthieu Udol - Shown straight red Friday Udol was shown a straight red card in the 85th minute of Friday's Ligue 1 match against Lyon.

Impact Udol is set to serve a suspension, with the length to be decided by the disciplinary commission. The dismissal came nine minutes after he scored to put Lens 2-0 up, and Lyon pulled one back a minute after he went off. He has made seven appearances across all competitions this season after starting 33 of 34 Ligue 1 matches last term, and the ban rules him out at least for the trip to Troyes on Oct. 17.

OCTOBER 9 • ROTOWIRE

Jonathan Gradit - Forced off against Lyon Gradit was substituted during Friday's Ligue 1 match against Lyon with an apparent muscle injury.

Impact Gradit is set to be assessed after the muscle problem cut short his first appearance at Bollaert since fracturing his tibia and fibula in training in November 2025. He had only returned to the matchday squad in September after nine months out, so the extent of the damage will determine whether this is a brief interruption or a setback to his comeback.

OCTOBER 9 • ROTOWIRE

Thorgan Hazard - Left out by coach's decision Hazard has been left out of the squad for Friday's Ligue 1 clash against Lyon due to a coach's decision rather than an injury.

Impact Hazard is a healthy scratch for Friday's matchup after previously being included in every Lens matchday squad this season. The winger's omission is purely tactical, with no fitness concerns reported, suggesting the coaching staff has opted for other attacking options. Hazard will hope to regain his place in the squad for Tuesday's UCL clash against Sporting CP, though his involvement will depend on the manager's selection decisions.

OCTOBER 8 • ROTOWIRE

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French soccer ethics body calls on fans to keep politics out of stadiums amid student protests

Early season runs grind to a halt as Lyon loses at Lens and Dortmund held by Bremen