Lens - injuries & suspensions October 2026

Lens begin the 2026/2027 season after one of the best periods in the club’s recent history. The team finished last season second in Ligue 1 and also won the Coupe de France, beating Nice 3:1. However, the club underwent major changes over the summer. Pierre Sage moved to Crystal Palace and was replaced by Dino Toppmöller. The German did not last long in the job, though. The club parted ways with him in September, with Yannick Cahuzac taking over as head coach. The team also lost several players who had a major influence on its results.

Two changes in the dugout

Toppmöller took charge of the team in June, but his tenure ended after just six matches. On 15 September, the club announced his departure, citing a lack of agreement over the organisation of the coaching staff. He was succeeded by Yannick Cahuzac, previously a member of the German’s staff and a former Lens captain. Cahuzac knows the club well, but faces a difficult task. He must rebuild the team after the summer changes and improve results.

Key figures move on

The biggest loss is Mamadou Sangaré, who joined Brentford after a breakthrough season. The Malian midfielder drove Lens forward in the middle of the park, standing out for his ball-winning ability and defensive work rate. The club received a substantial fee for his transfer, but finding a player with similar attributes will not be easy.

Captain Adrien Thomasson also left Lens to join Rennes. Wesley Saïd departed after five seasons at the club. The striker scored 35 goals in 138 appearances during that time and helped the team win the domestic cup. Allan Saint-Maximin, Malang Sarr and Anass Zaroury also said their goodbyes. After so many major changes, Cahuzac will have to find new leaders and establish a new pecking order in the dressing room.

A familiar face returns and new signings arrive

One of Lens’ most important summer signings is Jean-Clair Todibo. The Frenchman joined the club on a season-long loan from West Ham. He has previously played for Barcelona and Nice, among others, and has also represented his country. The return of Thorgan Hazard is another intriguing move. The Belgian, who developed in Lens’ academy earlier in his career, has returned to the club after spells in some of Europe’s top leagues. Hazard can play in several attacking positions, and his experience in the Bundesliga and with the national team could prove useful..

Franjo Ivanović joined on loan from Benfica to bolster the attack. Michaël Cuisance arrived from Hertha Berlin and Yacine Titraoui from Charleroi to strengthen midfield. Polish winger Michał Skóraś also joined the team. Maik Nawrocki, signed from Celtic, has added depth to the defence. Saud Abdulhamid was made a permanent signing from Roma after his previous loan spell.

Experience and stability

Despite the numerous departures, the squad still includes players who know the club well. Florian Thauvin remains one of the key figures in attack, while Jonathan Gradit and Florian Sotoca were important members of the team during its recent successes. The squad also features players capable of taking another step forward in their development. However, midfield remains one of the biggest concerns. After Mamadou Sangaré’s departure, Lens need to find a player who can help win the ball back and support attacking moves.

Competing on two fronts

After finishing as runners-up in France and winning the domestic cup, Lens head into the new campaign with high ambitions. However, the team faces a difficult challenge. Their return to the Champions League means taking on Europe’s best teams, but also playing many more matches. With a congested schedule, it will be important to manage the squad’s workload wisely and make effective use of the entire squad. The new coach will need to find his own tactical solutions, while the summer signings must settle into the team.