Lyon's Niakhaté to miss Lens trip after hamstring injury with Senegal

📰 Lyon's key defender Niakhaté will miss the trip to Lens on 9 October with a hamstring injury. 📌 Key points 🤕 Niakhaté hurt his hamstring while away with Senegal. ❌ He is ruled out of Friday's Ligue 1 trip to Lens. ❓ He is also a doubt for the Europa League game against Crystal Palace on 15 October. 🛡️ The centre-back has played in all five league games this season. 📉 It is a blow for Lyon, two points behind leaders Monaco. 📝 What happened 🏥 Niakhaté left the Senegal camp early after an MRI scan and returned to his club. At the time, the Senegalese federation did not reveal the nature or severity of the problem. 📋 On 7 October L'Équipe reported that he has a hamstring injury and cannot travel to Lens. There is no return date, and his availability for the Crystal Palace game is not guaranteed. 🧠 Lyon do not plan to rush him back, judging that a hasty return could disrupt his medium-term schedule. 🔁 Niakhaté has partnered Felix Bacher at the heart of the defence. As Lyon's only left-footed centre-back, his absence will be felt even more. 📊 By the numbers • Niakhaté's league appearances: all 5 games • His appearances in all competitions: 8 • Lyon goals conceded in 5 league games: 2 (fewest in the league) • Gap to leaders Monaco: 2 points (Monaco 13, Lyon 11) 🔭 Why it matters Lyon are second thanks to the best defence in the league. Now they must face 15th-placed Lens, without a win in four, minus one half of that defence. Lyon travel to Lens on Friday 9 October and host Crystal Palace in the Europa League on 15 October.