Amadou Haidara
LEN
Available versus Lyon
Haidara (undisclosed) is in the squad for Friday's match against Lyon.
Analysis: Haidara returned to training earlier in the week, and the midfielder has been cleared to play after being added to the squad. He has made four appearances (two starts) in the Ligue 1 this season.
Could face Lyon
Haidara (undisclosed) returned to training Wednesday after being forced off during Mali's friendly against Morocco on Sunday, according to Lensois.
Analysis: Haidara's return to training is encouraging after he required treatment before leaving the match against Morocco in the 64th minute. The quick turnaround puts the midfielder back in contention for Friday's clash against Lyon, though his status in the starting XI will depend on how he responds before the match. Haidara has made four Ligue 1 appearances this season, including two starts, while Andrija Bulatovic remains an alternative in midfield.
Forced off with apparent injury
Haidara (undisclosed) was forced off in the 64th minute of Mali's 1-1 friendly draw with Morocco on Sunday, after play was stopped around the hour mark for medical treatment, according to Allez Lens.
Analysis: Haidara has played in four of Lens' first five Ligue 1 matches with two starts, logging 197 minutes without a goal or assist while slowly securing a starting role in the two man midfield under new coach Yannick Cahuzac. Any absence would open the door for Andrija Bulatovic to get a larger role, and it would further strain a squad already hit by injuries ahead of Friday's home match against Lyon.
Working into midfield rotation
Haidara has played in four of Lens' first five Ligue 1 matches, starting two of them and slowly securising a starting role for the Sang et Or.
Analysis: Haidara has logged 197 minutes, with no goals or assists. He started against Monaco on Sept. 18 before making way for Andrija Bulatovic in the 72nd minute. The former Leipzig midfield seems to be securising a starting role in the two-man midfield and that might not change under new coach Yannick Cahuzac.
Comes off bench in Como Cup final
Haidara came on in the 72nd minute of Saturday's 3-1 win over Villarreal in the Como Cup final, the club announced.
Analysis: Haidara had been working individually after undergoing surgery immediately following the end of last season, missing training as recently as last week with his path back into full training somewhat uncertain. His appearance in the final marks a clear step forward in his recovery and his reintegration under new coach Dino Toppmoller. Lens won the tournament and will now return home to face Sunderland on Saturday at Bollaert-Delelis. Haidara is expected to continue building up his match fitness as preseason wraps up.
Working individually after surgery
Haidara (undisclosed) was absent from Wednesday's training session, continuing to work individually after undergoing surgery immediately following the end of last season, according to Lensois.com.
Analysis: Haidara's recovery timeline of around 10 days leaves his path back into full training somewhat uncertain heading into the start of preseason, and his role under new coach Dino Toppmoller is yet to be determined as the new 2026/27 season approaches. Once he rejoins the group, his workload and integration into Toppmoller's plans will be worth monitoring closely as Lens shapes its midfield for the campaign ahead.
Scores in start
Haidara assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Sunday's 4-0 win against Lyon.
Analysis: Haidara finished this season with a start in two of his last three appearances, but the two starts are all he got in terms of Lens' starting XI this season. He finished the campaign primarily as a backup, backed up by just seven appearances with a combined two chances created and shots on goal.
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