Jonathan Gradit
LEN
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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