Thorgan Hazard
LEN
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 Cahuzac, per Lensois. "As for Thorgan Hazard, his absence on Friday was my decision."
Analysis: 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.
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 reasons, according to Lensois.
Analysis: 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.
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.
Analysis: 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.
Not included in squad for Friday
Hazard isn't in the squad for Friday's match against Lyon due to undisclosed reasons.
Analysis: Hazard has been in the squad for every Lens match this season before Friday, so his absence is noteworthy. It remains to be seen whether the winger is dealing with an injury or if this is just a choice made by the manager. Hazard's next chance to return will come against Sporting CP on Tuesday, Oct. 13, in the UEFA Champions League.
Serving as attacking substitute
Hazard has featured in each of Lens' first five Ligue 1 matches, starting once and coming off the bench four times after joining the Sang et Or during the summer transfer window.
Analysis: Hazard has totaled 161 league minutes without a goal or assist. He entered in the 59th minute against Monaco, continuing an early-season role primarily as an attacking substitute. His role might evolve in the coming weeks under new coach Yannick Cahuzac.
Joins Lens on permanent deal
Hazard signed with Lens through 2028 after his contract with Anderlecht expired, the club announced.
Analysis: Hazard returns to the club where his career began, having progressed through Lens' academy before signing his first professional contract there in 2011. The 33-year-old attacking midfielder brings extensive experience with 522 career club appearances, including 64 in UEFA competitions, along with 47 caps for Belgium, following spells at Chelsea, Zulte-Waregem, Borussia Monchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund, PSV Eindhoven and Anderlecht. He was one of Jupiler Pro League's most productive players last season with 20 goal contributions for Anderlecht, including a hat trick against Zulte-Waregem, and was named league player of the month in February. Hazard is expected to slot in as a key attacking option for Lens as the club prepares for a Champions League campaign this season.
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