Jonathan Gradit
LEN
Remains out of squad
Gradit (muscle) remains unavailable for Saturday's Ligue 1 clash against Paris FC despite recently returning to team training, according to Lensois.
Analysis: Gradit will miss his fourth consecutive match after failing to recover sufficiently from the muscular injury he sustained during the encounter against Lyon, when he was forced off in the 53rd minute. The center-back had already missed fixtures against Sporting CP, Troyes and Club Brugge before resuming collective training Thursday, raising hopes of a return against Paris FC. However, despite making progress in his recovery, Gradit has ultimately been left out of the matchday squad, suggesting the coaching staff is taking a cautious approach to his reintegration. The defender had only recently returned from a lengthy absence caused by a tibia and fibula fracture, making careful management of his fitness particularly important. Samson Baidoo should continue benefiting from additional playing time in central defense while Gradit works toward regaining full fitness. His availability for the next fixture remains uncertain, although his recent return to team training represents an encouraging development.
Facing late fitness assessment
Gradit (muscle) is questionable for Saturday's Ligue 1 clash against Paris FC after returning to team training Thursday, with a final decision on his availability expected following the team's last training session, according to coach Yannick Cahuzac, per Lensois. "Jo returned to team training yesterday. Now, with the current weather conditions, we'll see what it's like tomorrow evening. It's not easy, and we still have one more team training session."
Analysis: Gradit faces a late fitness assessment ahead of Saturday's encounter against Paris FC after making encouraging progress in his recovery from a muscular injury. The center-back has missed Lens' last three matches, including Wednesday's Champions League clash against Club Brugge, after suffering discomfort during the encounter against Lyon that forced him off in the 53rd minute. However, he resumed collective training Thursday, raising hopes that he could return to the matchday squad this weekend. Coach Cahuzac indicated that his availability will depend on the final training session and the weather conditions expected for Saturday's fixture, suggesting the coaching staff remains cautious about rushing him back. Gradit had only recently returned from a lengthy absence caused by a tibia and fibula fracture, making careful management of his workload particularly important. Samson Baidoo could continue benefiting from additional playing time in central defense if Gradit is not cleared to feature.
Remains sidelined
Gradit (muscle) remains unavailable for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Club Brugge after failing to participate in Lens' team training session Tuesday as he continues recovering from a muscular injury, according to Lensois.
Analysis: Gradit remains on the sidelines after sustaining muscular discomfort during the encounter against Lyon, when he was forced off in the 53rd minute. The center-back has already missed Lens' last two matches against Sporting CP and Troyes, and his continued absence from team training Tuesday confirms that he is not yet ready to return to competitive action. Coach Yannick Cahuzac previously indicated that Gradit could resume activities this week, but his recovery appears to be progressing more slowly than initially anticipated. The defender had only recently returned from a lengthy absence caused by a tibia and fibula fracture, making a cautious approach particularly important to avoid another setback. Samson Baidoo could continue benefiting from additional playing time in central defense while Gradit works toward regaining full fitness. His availability for Saturday's Ligue 1 encounter against Paris FC remains uncertain.
Targeting return next week
Gradit (muscle) has been ruled out for Saturday's Ligue 1 clash against Troyes after remaining limited to individual training throughout the week, according to coach Yannick Cahuzac, per Lensois. "Jonathan trained individually this week. Given his situation and what he's been through, I'm not going to take any risks. We'll reassess him, and he'll return next week."
Analysis: Gradit will miss his second consecutive match after sitting out Tuesday's Champions League clash against Sporting CP due to muscular discomfort sustained during the previous encounter against Lyon. The defender was forced off in the 53rd minute of that contest, having only recently returned from a lengthy absence caused by a tibia and fibula fracture. Coach Cahuzac is taking a cautious approach to avoid another setback, with Gradit restricted to individual training this week and expected to resume activities next week. The center-back had gradually rebuilt his playing time with appearances of 55 minutes against Le Mans, 45 against Monaco and 53 against Lyon before his latest injury. Samson Baidoo could continue to benefit from additional opportunities in central defense during his absence.
Ruled out against Sporting
Gradit (muscular) has been ruled out for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Sporting CP after suffering an injury during Friday's match against Lyon, according to coach Yannick Cahuzac, per Lensois. "He needs to undergo tests tonight, but we're not going to take any risks, especially as he's coming back from a long injury. We'll reassess him ahead of Saturday's match against Troyes."
Analysis: Gradit was forced off in the 53rd minute against Lyon after experiencing muscular discomfort, having recently returned from a lengthy absence due to a tibia and fibula fracture. The defender has gradually rebuilt his playing time, featuring for 55 minutes against Le Mans, 45 against Monaco and 53 against Lyon. His latest setback will keep him out against Sporting, with his availability for Saturday's clash against Troyes dependent on further medical evaluations. Samson Baidoo could see increased playing time in central defense during his absence.
Remains doubtful for Sporting clash
Gradit (muscle) did not participate in Monday's training session and remains unlikely to feature in Tuesday's Champions League meeting with Sporting CP, according to Lensois.
Analysis: Gradit continues to deal with muscular discomfort after being forced off in the 53rd minute of Friday's Ligue 1 match against Lyon. The defender has been gradually rebuilding his fitness following a serious leg fracture sustained in November 2025, having played 55 minutes against Le Mans, 45 against Monaco and 53 against Lyon. His absence from Monday's session further reduces his chances of featuring Tuesday, with Samson Baidoo among the options to replace him in the starting lineup. Gradit's recovery will continue to be monitored, with a potential return against Troyes still uncertain.
Likely out against Sporting CP
Gradit (undisclosed) is expected to miss Tuesday's Champions League clash against Sporting CP after experiencing muscular discomfort during Friday's Ligue 1 match against Lyon, but he could return for Saturday's league matchup with Troyes, according to Les Lensois.
Analysis: Gradit was forced off in the 53rd minute against Lyon after experiencing muscle discomfort, with coach Yannick Cahuzac indicating that the substitution was precautionary. The 33-year-old defender is still working his way back to full fitness after suffering a fractured tibia and fibula in November 2025, having played 55 minutes against Le Mans, 45 against Monaco and 53 against Lyon since returning to action. Although his latest setback is not believed to be serious, Lens are expected to avoid unnecessary risks Tuesday, with Samson Baidoo likely to replace him in the starting XI against Sporting CP. Gradit could return to contention for Saturday's trip to Troyes, depending on his recovery progress.
Forced off against Lyon
Gradit was substituted during Friday's Ligue 1 match against Lyon due to an apparent injury, though coach Yannick Cahuzac indicated that it does not appear to be serious, per lensois. "He felt some discomfort, so we didn't want to take any risks. We'll have him examined and run some tests, but I don't think it's anything too serious."
Analysis: Gradit is set to be assessed after the muscle problem cut short his first appearance at Bollaert since fracturing his tibia and fibula in training in November 2025. He had only returned to the matchday squad in September after nine months out, so the extent of the damage will determine whether this is a brief interruption or a setback to his comeback.
Nets own goal
Gradit had an own goal, one tackle (one won) and two clearances in Friday's 2-1 defeat versus Monaco.
Analysis: Gradit turned the ball into his own net in the 84th minute and the own goal cost his team all three points. He recorded 34 passes and also made two clearances and a tackle in 45 minutes of play. This was his second appearance of the campaign and his first substitute appearance.
Returns after nine-month absence
Gradit returned to competitive action with Lens' Elite squad over the weekend, playing 55 minutes in a 4-2 developmental match win over Reims, according to the club.
Analysis: Gradit's appearance marked a significant step in his recovery from the tibia and fibula fracture suffered in training more than nine months ago. The 33-year-old defender completed the opening 55 minutes in his first competitive action since the injury, suggesting he is progressing toward a return to first-team contention. Gradit will likely need additional playing time to rebuild match fitness before being considered for a significant role with the senior side.
Closing in on return
Gradit remains unavailable for Saturday's Ligue 1 clash against Strasbourg but is getting closer to making his return, according to coach Dino Toppmoller, per Lensois. "He's starting to look good in training and his sharpness is improving, but this weekend is still a little too soon."
Analysis: Gradit continues to make encouraging progress in his recovery from the tibia-fibula fracture that has kept him sidelined since late November. The defender is showing improved sharpness in training, but Lens are not yet ready to clear him for competitive action, ruling him out for a second consecutive league match Saturday. His recent progress suggests a return to the squad could be approaching if he continues to respond well in training.
Still not cleared for matches
Gradit remains sidelined and won't be part of Saturday's season opener against Auxerre, according to coach Dino Toppmoller, per Madeinlensois. "Gradit is continuing his process, he's doing well. We trust him a lot, he has a lot of experience, but he needs to be 100 percent ready."
Analysis: Gradit has been out since late November with a tibia fibula fracture that required surgery, and despite training multiple times in the buildup to the Trophee des Champions, the club continued to hold him back from that match as well. His steady progress in training points to an eventual return to the backline, though manager Dino Toppmoller's comments suggest Lens still won't rush that timeline even as the competitive season begins.
Not risked despite progress
Gradit (leg) will not be risked for Sunday's Trophee des Champions against PSG despite training multiple times this week, according to coach Dino Toppmoller, per Lensois. "For Gradit, it's more complex. He's done several training sessions, but no match yet. We're not going to take any risk. He needs to be prepared and we're going to play a long season with a lot of matches. But we're not going to take any risk with him"
Analysis: Gradit has been sidelined since late November with a tibia fibula fracture that required surgery, and while his continued participation in training marks steady progress, the club is holding him back from any match involvement for now. He remains a leader within the squad and is expected to regain a regular role in the backline once he's fully cleared. Gradit is expected to continue his buildup as Lens' medical staff manages his return with caution.
Could return Sunday
Gradit (leg) continues to build toward a return as he was spotted in team training Friday and could be an option for minutes during Sunday's Trophee des Champions against PSG, according to Lensois.com.
Analysis: Gradit has been sidelined since late November with a tibia fibula fracture that required surgery, and this update confirms he has now joined collective training sessions, a step forward from his previous individual rehabilitation work. No specific timeline for match involvement has been disclosed, but he continues progressing well. Gradit is a leader at the club and should regain a regular role in the back line once back to full fitness for the Sang et Or.
Progress continues, not yet full
Gradit (leg) is progressing well but is not yet ready to feature in matches, according to coach Dino Toppmoller, per Lensois. "For Gradit, the work is progressing well. But he was not ready to play a match today. With him, we need to have a bit more patience. But he is in group training"
Analysis: Gradit has been sidelined since late November with a tibia-fibula fracture that required surgery, and this update confirms he has now joined collective sessions, a step forward from his previous individual rehabilitation work. No specific timeline for match involvement has been disclosed at this stage. Gradit is expected to continue building toward his return to competitive action as his recovery progresses.
Working with ball in rehab
Gradit (leg) is continuing his individual rehabilitation work and has resumed ball training during the team's training camp, according to the club.
Analysis: Gradit has been out since late November because of a tibia-fibula fracture, a serious injury that required surgery, with his rejoining the group originally expected around July 9. He is now part of the squad during the pre-season camp, even though his individual reathletisation continues apart from collective sessions. The fact that he is traveling with the team and physically closer to the group, even past that initial target date, points to steady if slightly delayed progress, and a full return to training remains the next thing to watch for.
Not yet present at training
Gradit (leg) was not yet present on the field with his teammates as of Wednesday, according to Lensois.com.
Analysis: Gradit had been expected to rejoin the group around July 9 following his rehabilitation from a tibia and fibula fracture suffered last season, and his continued absence suggests his gradual reintegration process is taking a bit longer than initially planned. His return remains a significant boost for Lens once complete, and his timeline for rejoining full training under new coach Dino Toppmoller will be one to track closely in the coming days.
Set to return for preseason
Gradit (leg) has completed his rehabilitation from the tibia and fibula fracture he suffered in 2025/26 and is expected to be present when Lens resume training on July 9, according to Homme du Match.
Analysis: Gradit underwent surgery in November to stabilize the tibia with screws and is now ready to begin a gradual reintegration process, with the staff planning a progressive return over the first two weeks before he fully rejoins team training under new coach Dino Toppmoller. His comeback is excellent news for Lens, who will recover one of their defensive leaders ahead of the new season and their Champions League campaign.
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