Samson Baidoo
LEN
Out three months
Baidoo (thigh) suffered a thigh injury after pulling up during a sprint in Saturday's friendly against Charleroi and will be out for around three months, according to L'Equipe.
Analysis: Baidoo had just returned from injury in recent weeks before this latest setback, needing help from the medical staff to leave the pitch before subsequent tests confirmed the thigh damage. The defender's season was already disrupted last year by a hamstring issue suffered in late January that kept him out for weeks, and just as he found his footing again with six straight appearances, the other hamstring gave out against PSG to end his campaign early, causing him to miss the final league match and the Coupe de France final. Coach Dino Toppmoller called it another significant blow, losing a key piece of his backline for an extended stretch. Baidoo is expected to begin a lengthy recovery process as Lens continues its preseason preparations.
New hamstring blow in friendly
Baidoo finished Saturday's unofficial match versus Charleroi with pain in his previously injured hamstring, Herve Penot of L'Equipe reports.
Analysis: Baidoo has seen some action during the offseason after being limited by a muscular issue over the final stretch of the previous season. However, the discomfort appears to be returning, so the defender might have to rest more time to avoid a significant setback. His absence would be bad news for a Lens side that relies on a back-three system, with Matthieu Udol and Pierre Ganiou carrying increased responsibilities if Baidoo heads to the sidelines.
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.
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