OL striker Loïs Openda suffers injury against Lens, L’Équipe reports

Olympique Lyonnais striker Loïs Openda sustained a right leg injury during his side’s match against RC Lens at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Friday, October 9, 2026, forcing an early substitution at the hour mark, L’Équipe reported.

The Incident at Stade Bollaert-Delelis

The 26-year-old Belgian forward returned to the stadium where he previously starred during the 2022–2023 season, according to sources. In the 58th minute, a challenge from Lens defender Ismaël Ganiou brought Openda down. Although the striker initially stood up, he collapsed moments later while clutching the lower part of his right leg. Unable to bear weight on the foot, he required assistance from two medical staff members to leave the pitch.

Managerial adjustments followed immediately. Keito Nakamura entered the match to replace Openda in the 60th minute, according to match reports.

Match Context and Defeat for Lyon

The enforced substitution compounded a difficult night for Olympique Lyonnais, who suffered a 2–1 defeat to Lens. Florian Sotoca opened the scoring for the hosts in the 36th minute before Matthieu Udol doubled the advantage in the 76th minute. Khalis Merah managed a late goal for Lyon, but the effort failed to overturn the deficit. The result marked Lyon’s first defeat of the Ligue 1 season.

Foot Mercato noted that Openda left Stade Bollaert-Delelis using crutches following the final whistle.

Lyon Awaits Medical Update on Openda Injury

As of late Friday evening, the club had not released a definitive medical bulletin regarding the exact nature of the injury or the expected duration of Openda’s absence. Media outlets including Foot Mercato indicated that further medical evaluations and an official update from Lyon’s staff were scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2026, leaving the player’s availability for upcoming fixtures unconfirmed.