Ganiou undergoes knee surgery, Lens loses most reliable defender for several weeks

RC Lens announced on Friday that Ismaëlo Ganiou has undergone successful surgery on his left knee following a setback that occurred during his return to collective training. The 21-year-old defender will be sidelined for several weeks.

The France U21 international had already missed the trip to Bruges (3-0 defeat in the Ligue des Champions) this week. Back in training on Thursday, he felt new discomfort in his left knee, requiring minor surgery performed the following morning, according to the club’s official statement.

The news comes at the worst possible time for Lens. Regarded since last season as the most reliable and consistent element of the club’s central defence, Ganiou had even been mentioned in discussions surrounding the France national team.

The central partnership of the Artois club is now decimated. Maik Nawrocki is suffering from a cruciate ligament rupture and will be absent for months. Jonathan Gradit, meanwhile, is uncertain for the home match against Paris FC on Saturday evening due to thigh discomfort.

Facing this defensive crisis, head coach Yannick Cahuzac will likely rely on Jean-Clair Todibo, whose performances since his arrival in early September have not fully convinced, and on Samson Baidoo, who is still struggling to regain his best form after his own injury. A particularly delicate context for a top-of-the-table fixture in Ligue 1.