Samson Baidoo
LEN
Clears injury during preseason
Baidoo is training in full during preseason under new coach Dino Toppmoller, confirming he has recovered from his hamstring injury, the club posted.
Analysis: Baidoo's clean bill of health is an encouraging sign after back to back hamstring injuries on opposite legs disrupted the end of his breakout campaign, one that saw him contribute two goals and one assist along with 34 tackles, 23 interceptions and 83 clearances across 23 Ligue 1 appearances. With a fresh start under new manager Dino Toppmoller, Baidoo looks well positioned to regain a regular spot as one of the more reliable center backs in Ligue 1 heading into the new season.
Will miss rest of season
Baidoo (hamstring) has been ruled out for the rest of the season after medical examinations confirmed he suffered a left hamstring injury during Wednesday's clash against PSG, according to L'Equipe.
Analysis: Baidoo had only recently returned from an 11-match absence with a right hamstring injury before the new problem struck on the opposite side, making this a devastating blow for both player and Lens heading into the biggest fixture of their season. The defender ends what had been a breakout campaign with two goals, one assist, 34 tackles, 23 interceptions and 83 clearances across 23 Ligue 1 appearances, having established himself as one of the most reliable center-backs in the division before injuries disrupted his season. His availability for the World Cup with Austria also remains uncertain pending a more precise diagnosis, with Lens set to line up Arthur Masuaku, Kyllian Anderson Antonio or Nidal Celik alongside Pierre Ganiou and Malang Sarr in central defense at the Stade de France for the Coupe de France final on May 22.
Forced off against PSG
Baidoo (undisclosed) was forced off during Wednesday's 2-0 loss against PSG with an apparent injury, leaving his availability for the season finale against Lyon and the Coupe de France final against Nice uncertain, according to coach Pierre Sage, per Les Lensois. "He is for the moment disappointed, a little worried. It is not set in stone. We are waiting for the examinations and in any case we will give 100% of what we can give so that he can play against Nice. In any case, he is scared and it shows it."
Analysis: Baidoo had been in strong form heading into the PSG fixture and his potential absence for the Coupe de France final against Nice would be a significant blow for Lens. The club will have a clearer picture once the medical examinations are completed, with manager Sage refusing to rule out his involvement while acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the nature of the issue. If he has to miss time, Nidal Celik will likely replace him in the back-three.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare