Sierra Leonean defender Juma Bah suffered a significant injury during a training session on Saturday morning, losing two teeth in a head-to-head collision with teammate Jonathan Gradit.
The incident has ruled him out of RC Lens’ crucial Lille derby on Sunday evening.
The collision, which occurred during a routine training drill, left Bah in shock and required him to be hospitalized for further examination.
Medical tests confirmed the extent of his injuries, including the loss of two teeth and a concussion. As a result, he will be sidelined until at least Tuesday, adhering to concussion protocols.
His absence forces Lens coach Will Still to make adjustments to his lineup, with Malang Sarr expected to step in as a replacement. Adding to Lens’ concerns, Jonathan Gradit, who suffered a cut eyebrow in the same collision, is also doubtful for the derby. His condition will be reassessed on Sunday morning, with the potential of a swollen eye impacting his availability.
Bah’s journey to the French top flight has been one of remarkable resilience. Born and raised in Sierra Leone, he honed his skills in local clubs before attracting the attention of European scouts. His defensive prowess and dedication ultimately led to a loan move to RC Lens from Manchester City. Known for his strong tackling and positional awareness, Bah has consistently impressed with his work ethic.
The injury comes at a particularly unfortunate time for Bah, who recently played full 90-minute games for Sierra Leone in their March 2025 World Cup Qualifier matches against Guinea-Bissau and Egypt.