The return to Lens was meant to stir brighter memories for Loïs Openda. Instead, under the lights at Bollaert on Friday night, the Lyon forward left the pitch supported by medical staff after suffering an injury to his right leg.
Key takeaways
- Loïs Openda was injured during Lyon’s Friday-night match away to Lens.
- The 26-year-old Belgium international was hurt following a challenge from Ismaël Ganiou in the 58th minute.
- Openda initially got back to his feet before falling again while holding the lower part of his right leg.
- He could not put weight on his foot as two Lyon medical staff members carried him from the field.
- Keito Nakamura came on as his replacement in the 60th minute.
A painful homecoming at Bollaert
Openda was back at Lens, the club where he had made such a strong impression during the 2022-23 campaign, but his evening ended shortly after the hour mark.
The Lyon attacker was caught in a tackle by Lens defender Ismaël Ganiou in the 58th minute. Although he first appeared able to continue after rising to his feet, the forward soon went down again and clutched the lower section of his right leg.
The concern was immediate as Openda was unable to leave the playing surface on his own. He was taken off by two members of Lyon’s medical team, unable to place his foot on the ground.
Nakamura sent on for Lyon
Lyon made the enforced change two minutes later, with Keito Nakamura entering the match in Openda’s place in the 60th minute.
The extent of the injury was not established during the match, but Openda’s departure added a worrying note to a difficult return to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis for the former Lens forward.
