RC Lens dealt major setback as Samson Baidoo faces three-month injury absence

RC Lens have suffered a significant setback after Austrian defender Samson Baidoo was ruled out for approximately three months through injury, depriving the Ligue 1 club of one of its key defensive options.

The 22-year-old is expected to spend an extended period on the sidelines after sustaining an injury that will interrupt what had been a promising spell with the French club.

Baidoo joined RC Lens from Austrian side RB Salzburg in 2025 as part of the club’s plans to strengthen its defence with one of Europe’s emerging young centre-backs.

Since arriving in France, the defender had steadily established himself within the squad, earning the trust of the coaching staff through a series of composed performances.

His physical presence, strength in one-on-one duels and ability to build attacks from the back made him an increasingly important figure in Lens’ defensive structure.

The injury now represents a considerable challenge for the club, which will have to reorganise its back line during Baidoo’s absence.

With the defender unavailable for around three months, the coaching staff will be forced to rely on alternative options as they navigate the opening months of the campaign.

Baidoo’s absence comes at a time when continuity and defensive stability are expected to play an important role in Lens’ ambitions for the season.

The Austrian international had been viewed as a player capable of providing consistency at the heart of the defence while continuing to develop his game in Ligue 1.

His performances since arriving from Salzburg suggested he was adapting well to French football and taking important steps forward in his career.

The coming months will instead be devoted to rehabilitation as the defender focuses on recovering from his injury.

Once he returns to full fitness, Baidoo is expected to undergo a gradual reintegration into competitive action before challenging for a regular place in the team once again.

For RC Lens, the priority will be ensuring the defender makes a complete recovery while maintaining defensive balance in his absence.

Although the injury is a major setback for both player and club, Lens remain hopeful that Baidoo will return after his rehabilitation ready to resume the progress he had shown since joining the club in 2025.