Matthieu Udol
LEN
Available after suspension
Udol is available for selection again after serving his suspension following a straight red card against Lyon.
Analysis: Udol returns to contention after missing Lens' clash against Troyes on Oct. 17 due to the suspension he received for his dismissal against Lyon. The defender was sent off in the 85th minute, shortly after scoring his side's second goal. Having made seven appearances across all competitions this season after starting 33 of 34 Ligue 1 matches last term, Udol remains an important part of Lens' defensive setup and is expected to compete for an immediate return to the starting lineup against Paris FC.
Shown straight red Friday
Udol was shown a straight red card in the 85th minute of Friday's Ligue 1 match against Lyon.
Analysis: Udol is set to serve a suspension, with the length to be decided by the disciplinary commission. The dismissal came nine minutes after he scored to put Lens 2-0 up, and Lyon pulled one back a minute after he went off. He has made seven appearances across all competitions this season after starting 33 of 34 Ligue 1 matches last term, and the ban rules him out at least for the trip to Troyes on Oct. 17.
Equalizes on Friday
Udol scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Friday's 2-1 defeat against Monaco.
Analysis: Udol headed in Florian Thauvin's corner in the 57th minute for the equalizer. Udol recorded 61 passes and also made three tackles and an interception. He has started all five games and this was his first goal.
Given green light for UCL play
Udol (thigh) is fit once again and an option for Thursday's match against Slavia Prague, according to his club.
Analysis: Udol will not miss any more time with his thigh injury, as the defender has been cleared and given the green light for play. This will mean a starting defender is still an option, likely to resume in that role immediately. He has started in all three league games this season, recording four tackles, four clearances and seven crosses.
Returns to team training
Udol (thigh) returned to training with the rest of the group Wednesday despite wearing a sizeable bandage around his leg, according to Lensois.
Analysis: Udol's return to team training is an encouraging development after he was forced off following a heavy challenge against Lorient that left him with significant swelling and instability in his leg. His participation suggests he has a chance of being available for Thursday's Champions League clash against Slavia Prague, though the bandaging indicates the issue is still being managed. His status will likely depend on how he responds to the session, with Michal Skoras an alternative on the left if Udol is not cleared to start.
Takes big hit to thigh
Udol took a big hit to his thigh and is a doubt for Thursday's Champions League opener against Prague, according to coach Dino Toppmoller, per Lensois.com. "Matthieu took a big hit to the thigh, he has instability in the leg, there are things to check with him tomorrow, we don't know if he'll be fit for Prague, but we hope he can play, it's swollen at the thigh, we'll see how it reacts overnight."
Analysis: Udol was the victim of a harsh challenge in the first half of the recent match against Lorient and was unable to continue, departing the contest early. His status remains uncertain heading into Thursday's Champions League clash against Slavia Prague, with further clarity expected once the swelling is assessed overnight. If he has to miss the game, Michal Skoras will be the main option to start on the left wing for the Sang et Or.
Picks up injury Saturday
Udol departed Saturday's contest against Lorient with an injury in the first half.
Analysis: Udol was the victim of a harsh challenge earlier in the game, and while he tried to continue, he was unable to keep going and departed the contest midway through the first half. Udol should be considered questionable until further tests are taken, with Lens' next game coming against Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Thursday.
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