Pierre Sage Expresses Frustration Over Samson Baidoo's Prolonged Absence

RC Lens manager Pierre Sage has expressed his growing frustration with the prolonged absence of defender Samson Baidoo, admitting he is in the dark about the player's situation. Speaking after a friendly against Rouen, Sage confessed his confusion and impatience regarding the Austrian defender's continued unavailability, despite him being back in training. "I have a hard time considering things regarding Samson Baidoo," Sage said. "To be honest, I don't even know what to tell you about him anymore. I'm sorry. You're waiting for him, and I'm waiting for him. I'm very impatient to see him on the pitch."

Baidoo, 23, has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring (ischio) injury earlier this year. The Austrian defender made a brief return in a Ligue 1 match against Stade Rennais in February but has not featured since, despite Sage confirming the player is now training. The manager revealed the perplexing nature of the situation, stating that while Baidoo is training, he is not yet fit to play, despite being free from pain. "He's training, yes. He's been training for a long time, but training is not playing," Sage explained. He added, "What's the issue? His muscle fibers. Pain? No, no, he’s not in pain."

The situation is a source of significant frustration for Sage, who has been without the defender for a large part of the season. The manager's public comments highlight a breakdown in communication or a complex medical situation that is preventing the player from being cleared for competitive action. The uncertainty is a blow to Lens, who have been forced to plan without a player they had counted on for defensive depth this season. Baidoo, who joined Lens in 2022, has made only a handful of appearances for the club, and his prolonged absence represents a setback for both the player's development and the club's defensive options.

With the season entering its final stretch, Sage's comments suggest a return for Baidoo this campaign is increasingly unlikely. The manager's tone and the lack of a clear return timeline point to a more complex, non-injury-related issue, possibly a psychological or physical conditioning hurdle preventing a return to match action. This leaves Lens to navigate the remainder of their season, which includes domestic and European commitments, without a player they had anticipated would be a contributor this term.