Senegal forward Abdallah Sima is expected to be sidelined until the end of November after suffering a thigh injury while on international duty.
The 25-year-old striker picked up the injury during Senegal’s September-October international break, with medical examinations after his return to French club RC Lens confirming the problem.
Lens have said Sima will be unavailable for several weeks, in a major setback for the club as they prepare to face Olympique Lyonnais at Bollaert on Friday in the sixth round of Ligue 1.
The injury is expected to keep Sima out for around 10 matches and comes at a difficult time for both the player and the club.
Sima had made an encouraging start to the season, featuring seven times in all competitions and contributing two goals and two assists.
His absence leaves Lens without one of their important attacking options as the club prepares for a demanding spell of fixtures.
The French side are already dealing with several injury concerns. Samson Baidoo is sidelined with a hamstring problem, while Maik Nawrocki is recovering from an ACL injury.
Amadou Haïdara is also doubtful after suffering a knock to the shin while representing Mali during the international break.
Sima’s injury will also be felt by Senegal, where he has featured under coach Patrick Vieira during the opening matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The former Slavia Prague player played a part in Senegal’s first two qualifying fixtures. He supplied the decisive assist in the 1-1 draw against Mozambique before playing 65 minutes in the Lions’ 1-0 victory over Ethiopia.
His performances had made him an important option for Vieira, but the injury means he will now have to step away from competitive action while he works on his recovery.
For Lens, the timing is particularly frustrating. The club face Lyon at home just two days after the injury update, with Sima unavailable for the fixture and expected to remain out for much of November.
The striker will now begin his rehabilitation at Lens’ La Gaillette training centre as he works towards a return to action.
Sima’s absence represents a significant blow after his positive contribution at the beginning of the campaign. His two goals and assists had helped him establish himself as an important attacking presence, but Lens must now cope without him for several weeks.
The club will hope the rehabilitation process progresses as planned and that the Senegal international can return towards the end of November.
Until then, Lens will have to find alternatives in attack while also managing their wider list of fitness concerns.
