Nidal Celik
LEN
Back available against Strasbourg
Celik is available to return to the squad for Saturday's Ligue 1 clash against Strasbourg, according to coach Dino Toppmoller, per Lensois. "Celik is now fit to return to the squad."
Analysis: Celik has continued to progress after missing the season opener against Auxerre and is now cleared to rejoin the matchday squad. The defender had already returned to training following the undisclosed issue that kept him out of the World Cup with Bosnia, but was not considered ready for selection last weekend. His return gives manager Dino Toppmoller another defensive option for Saturday's trip to Strasbourg, though Celik may initially have to settle for a role off the bench.
Not yet ready for matchday squad
Celik (undisclosed) continues to train but is not yet an option to be included in the squad for Saturday's season opener against Auxerre, according to coach Dino Toppmoller, per Madeinlensois. "Celik is training, it's progressing well, but he's not yet an option to be in the group."
Analysis: Celik had taken part in group training ahead of the Trophee des Champions against PSG after working individually following an undisclosed injury that ruled him out of the World Cup with Bosnia, and this latest update shows continued progress even if a return to matchday squads still isn't imminent. His steady improvement in training keeps him on track to eventually reenter contention in the coming weeks.
Takes part in full training
Celik took part in training with the group Friday but will still be unavailable for Sunday's Trophee des Champions against PSG, according to coach Dino Toppmoller, per Lensois. "For the first time, Celik did part of the training with the group"
Analysis: Celik had been working individually with the club's physical trainers after an undisclosed injury ruled him out of the World Cup with Bosnia, and this return to group training marks a significant step forward in his recovery, even if it was only part of the session. His involvement puts him closer to being an option in the coming weeks as Lens continues its buildup to the new season.
Training with team Friday
Celik (undisclosed) was spotted training with the team Friday ahead of Sunday's Trophee des Champions against PSG, according to Lensois.com.
Analysis: Celik had been working individually with the club's physical trainers after an undisclosed injury ruled him out of the World Cup with Bosnia, and this full return to team training marks a significant step forward in his recovery. His involvement now puts him in contention to be available for the Trophee des Champions as Lens continues its buildup to the new 2026/27 Ligue 1 season.
Working with physical trainers
Celik (undisclosed) is back on the field working with the club's physical trainers, according to coach Dino Toppmoller, per Lensois. "Jhoanner Chavez is back on the field. He's working with the physical trainers. Nidal Celik is with him, doing the same work"
Analysis: Celik had returned to training at La Gaillette Gervais Martel after an undisclosed injury ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup with Bosnia, and this update shows continued progress in his individualized buildup alongside teammate Jhoanner Chavez. No specific timeline for a return to group training has been disclosed. Celik is expected to continue building toward full training as Lens' preseason preparations continue.
Back on the pitch
Celik has returned to training at La Gaillette Gervais Martel, the club announced.
Analysis: Celik had picked up an undisclosed injury during a training session that ultimately ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup with Bosnia. His return to the pitch marks a positive step in his recovery ahead of the new season. Celik is expected to continue building toward full training as Lens' preseason preparations continue.
Ruled out from World Cup
Celik (undisclosed) has been ruled out for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Leonardo Bertozzi of ESPN Brasil reports.
Analysis: Celik picked up an injury during Wednesday's training session and didn't train Thursday. The coaching staff didn't want to take any risks, and Celik won't be an option for the tournament. His place in the squad was taken by Arjan Malic, who was with the Bosnia squad stateside despite not being initially included in the original 26-player list.
Availability uncertain Friday
Celik (undisclosed) did not train Thursday after appearing to pick up an injury during the previous session, leaving his availability for Friday's clash against Canada uncertain, according to the federation.
Analysis: Celik has operated primarily in a rotational capacity but remains an important piece of the squad's depth, providing the coaching staff with a reliable and versatile option when called upon. His absence from Thursday's session is a concern given the limited time available before Friday's fixture, with no further details provided on the nature or severity of the issue. The coaching staff will assess his condition in the coming hours before making a final call on his involvement, with his availability representing a meaningful boost to the squad's options regardless of his role off the bench.
Back available
Celik (undisclosed) is back available after featuring with the reserve side Thursday, according to coach Pierre Sage.
Analysis: Celik's return to action is a positive development, though his path back to the starting lineup appears limited given the reshuffling of Lens's defensive unit. The defender had stepped up as a starter during his absence but is expected to shift into a rotational role for the remainder of the season following the returns of Samson Baidoo and others to the squad. His appearance with the reserve side Thursday serves as a stepping stone back to first-team involvement, with Friday's clash against Brest a potential opportunity to get back into the matchday squad.
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