Now 27, Udol has fought back from four cruciate ligament injuries (as well as undergoing an operation on his meniscus) and few can begrudge him the prolonged injury-free run that he is now enjoying.

A Messin born and bred, Udol came through the club’s youth ranks before making his professional debut at Metz’s Belgian sister club FC Seraing, where he spent half a season on loan, before being recalled and breaking into the Metz team two days before his 20th birthday.

All set to make the left back position his own, the proceeding four seasons were all but ruined by his injury woes – even when finally fit for the second half of the 2019-2020 campaign, his match-time was curtailed by Covid-19 causing the early end to the season. A return of 25 Ligue 1 matches in 2020-2021 was by far Udol’s best season in terms of appearances before 2021-2022 was cut short again by his fourth ligament tear, the club vice-captain forced to watch from the sidelines as Metz were relegated.

Udol extends Metz stay

Udol came back stronger than ever however and, now promoted to club captain, Udol has enjoyed 18 injury-free months, allowing him to help Metz to promotion from Ligue 2 last season (his third promotion with the club – to go with two relegations) and a reasonably positive Ligue 1 return thus far.

He featured for all but nine minutes of last season and in the 2023 half of the campaign contributed five assists – including one in the 3-2 victory over Bastia on the last day, which secured Metz second place and promotion.

Udol has been a fixture for Metz this season, contributing three assists which have directly helped secure a draw and two wins. His goal this week against PSG proved in vain but was another indication of his will to fight to overcome the odds, whether from his left-back berth or filling in at centre-back to help the team out.

Udol signed a contract extension in August and one has to ask if he’ll play for Metz his entire career; he replies that it’s too early to say but that this love story will continue for a little while longer at least. Considering what Udol has had to overcome, that is already a great achievement.

GFFN | Jeremy Smith

Despite leaving Metz for €16m in August, Mikautadze is nonetheless still Metz’s top scorer in Ligue 1 this season with two goals. He will now have the chance to finish as the club’s top scorer as he looks set to return and help Laszlo Boloni’s side off relegation. 

A return to Metz suits all parties. Metz’s Mikautadze replacements have not lived up to the billing, the player is out-of-favour at Ajax, and the Dutch club have failed to find a place for him The Georgian international is third choice, and when he has played, he has often done so out of his natural position. 

As a result, Mikautadze’s return to Metz is set to be confirmed in the coming days, according to L’Équipe. He is set to undergo a medical on 29th December ahead of a six-month loan deal, without an option to buy. It is a chance for the striker to get his career back on track, ahead of a potential move away from Ajax in the summer. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle

Dembélé was suspended for the trip to Borussia Dortmund last weekend, but returned for Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Lille OSC. PSG will also be without Arnau Tenas, who has worn the No.1 jersey for the past two matches in the absence of Gianluigi Donnarumma. The former suffered a minor shoulder injury against Les Dogues, whilst the latter returns following a two-game suspension for a reckless kung-fu kick against Le Havre AC.

 There are no other fresh injury concerns, although first-teamers Nuno Mendes, Fabián Ruiz and Presneal Kimpembe all remain absent. The latter has, however, returned to first-team training. 

PSG likely lineup v Metz

Gianluigi Donnarumma; Lucas Hernandez, Milan Skriniar, Marquinhos, Achraf Hakimi; Warren Zaïre-Emery, Manuel Ugarte, Marco Asensio; Randal Kolo Muani, Kylian Mbappé, Bradley Barcola. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle

The award comes as a perfect conclusion to the young Senegalese’s dream breakout year. At the start of 2023, Camara had inspired Senegal to go all the way in the African Nations Championship, claiming the Player of the Tournament award, before leading the Senegalese team to the u-20 African Cup of Nations final, which they won against Gambia, once again being voted best player of the tournament.

A perfect year for Camara

The midfielder played a few games in last season’s Ligue 2, which ended in Metz’s promotion, before becoming a starter in Ligue 1 for László Bölöni’s side. He combines defensive relentlessness with tight-space-dribbling ability and an eye for long passing, making him one of the most promising players in the league at his position.

No doubt European clubs will be keen on singing Camara if he continues his meteoric rise.

GFFN | Alfred Lalande

The final trio is completed by Real Betis’ Abde Ezzalzouli (21), being voted ahead of the likes of Moroccan star Bilal El Khannouss (19) and K.A.A. Gent’s top performer Emmanuel Gift Orban (21).

Lamine Camara and Amara Diouf, the future of Senegalese football

Camara started the year off very strong with an impressive string of performances during the u-20 AFCON, pulling off two assists and bagging a brace in the semi-final against Tunisia. Senegal ended up winning the competition, getting the better of Gambia in the final, as Lamine was elected player of the tournament.

The midfielder had joined FC Metz from Génération Foot previous to the tournament, and following it began to make appearances for the first team. This season, the 19-year-old is a regular starter for Les GrenatsI, standing out notably due to his ability to cover ground efficiently to regain possession, as well as his excellent technical quality under pressure.

Amara Diouf, on the other hand, is yet to make an appearance for Metz but has been performing brilliantly for Senegal’s youth teams, notably the u17 squad which participated in the recent u-17 World Cup, where he scored two goals in the first game against Argentina. The 15-year-old made a name for himself when he became the youngest player to ever feature for the Senegal national team, in an AFCON qualification game against Rwanda.

The young forward possesses electric acceleration as well as outstanding flair and technical ability, which make him a threat across the front line.

The two youngsters will be hoping for the best during the ceremony on Monday, to potentially conclude what has been an exceptional season for both in the best possible fashion.

GFFN | Alfred Lalande

Les Grenats’ partnership with Génération Foot has been running since 2003 and has seen players such as Sadio Mané, Pape Matar Sarr and Ismaïla Sarr wear the Metz shirt before going on to thrive elsewhere in Europe. Sané went on to play for Liverpool and Bayern Munich, whilst Ismaïla Sarr is now back in Ligue 1, playing for Olympique de Marseille after a stint at Watford.

To celebrate their 20-year collaboration, an extension has been announced by Metz. The old deal was set to expire in 2028 and the new deal will now run until 2033. Metz’s strategic partnership with Génération Foot recently saw Lamine Camara, Pape Amadou Diallo and Malick Mbaye join the club. Camara made headlines after scoring a long-range goal against AS Monaco.

Metz, managed by Laszlo Boloni are currently 11th in Ligue 1 following last season’s promotion from Ligue 2. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle

As part of the LFP’s sanction, N’Doram was also to participate in an anti-homophobia action. On Tuesday, he took charge of a training session at PanamBoyz and Girlz United, a 100% inclusive, LGBT football club that fights against homophobia. The team’s president, which is comprised of 102 players, including 32 women, wrote to the LFP to propose an “intelligent sanction” for N’Doram, who had already participated in an anti-discrimination workshop with the rest of his Metz teammates in June.

‘I am happy to be here to make up for my mistake’ – N’Doram

N’Doram left a good impression as he took charge of the session at the Stade Louis-Lumière in the 20th Arrondissement of Paris. “It’s great, you really get the impression that he’s part of the club. We feel that he really wants to be here,” one of the club’s players told L’Équipe. 

In the presence of the president of the LGBT+ sporting federation, N’Doram addressed the team ahead of the session. “I am happy to be here to make up for my mistake. This kind of action can help. I am proud to show that I want to change things […] I would consider a gay player as a normal teammate. If I heard a homophobic slur, I would call it out,” he said. 

He added, “You can count on me to wear the rainbow shirt,” referring to the LFP’s annual rainbow shirts, which have been part of Ligue 1’s anti-homophobia campaign in recent seasons. As reported by RMC Sport, this campaign may in fact be scrapped, starting this season. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle

Lyon’s miserable season continues. Grosso has already admitted that the club are mired in a relegation battle. At Sunday’s match at the Groupama Stadium, fans unfurled a banner reading: “Objective: Staying up.” 

It had been hoped that last weekend’s events at the Vélodrome would galvanise the club. Lyon’s bus was attacked on the way to the match against bitter rivals Olympique de Marseille. The window closest to Grosso was smashed and the Italian manager was then struck by a bottle, leaving him with a considerable facial wound just above the left eye, which required stitches. Grosso did not lead training on Tuesday or Wednesday as he recovered from the incident, but he took his place in the dugout against Metz. 

However, Lyon were lacklustre and were reliant on a late Skelly Alvero equaliser to salvage a draw. Lyon’s players have already had a dressing down from the club’s ultras this season and this time it was left to Grosso to confront the frustrated fans. 

“The problem is that no one at the club is there to help you during the week or even to be here right now because it isn’t your job to be here in front of us today. If you have something to tell us, say it, and if you don’t want to tell us anything, because it isn’t your job to do so, we won’t hold it against you,”  the leader of the ultras told Grosso. 

In images broadcast on Prime Video Sport, the Italian manager replied, “I tell you all the time – you’re special. We will give you everything because you deserve it. Thank you for everything. We did everything to get the win today. We won’t give up. I promise to give you everything and I hope that will be enough.”

GFFN | Luke Entwistle

Les Gones should have been in front inside the opening 5 minutes as Mama Baldé was played through one-on-one with Oukidja but the Troyes loanee was unable to beat the Metz stopper. Diomandé then almost gave Metz the lead as he turned a corner goalwards but Anthony Lopes saved his blushes. 

The game then fell into a rather scrappy state of affairs with neither team able to do any meaningful on or off the ball. In the 40th minute, Ablie Jallow rifled a powerful effort from the edge of the area but Lopes was able to palm his shot over for a corner. Jallow looked to be the danger man for Metz as he had another chance on the counter but Lopes was once again equal to his shot.

Mama Baldé did brilliantly to link up with Diawara to give the 18-year-old a glorious chance in stoppage time to give OL the lead, but the Lyon academy graduate scuffed his shot and couldn’t find the target. Neither team were able to find the back of the net as the intensity of the game increased at the end of the first half and the scores at the break remained goalless. 

Lacazette had thought he had given Lyon the lead as he hit a volley on the swivel, but Metz’s debutant goalkeeper Guillaume Dietsch came up with a massive save the deny the OL captain. He then felt aggrieved as he wasn’t awarded a penalty in the Metz box, but he arguably should have taken the shot instead of trying to win a foul.

It was third time lucky for Jallow as he hit a wicked effort on the counter to give Metz the lead. Lopes was left stranded and could do nothing as the ball clattered in off the bar. Another match without victory looked inevitable for OL. Skelly Alvero did his best to rejuvenate hopes of a win though with a great hit from distance to score his first goal for the club and level proceedings. Lyon had 6 minutes plus stoppage time to find a winner. 

The goalscorer, Alvero, had the chance to score the winning goal as Nuamah sent in a low and teasing cross but the former Sochaux midfielder couldn’t beat Dietsch in the Metz goal. Lyon had a late free kick in stoppage time but as Caqueret tried to better the angle for Lacazette, he could only fire his effort over the bar. 

Despite their best efforts, Lyon’s languishing start to the season continues as they remain winless and at the foot of the table. OL are at risk of being cut adrift as they now sit 7 points from guaranteed safety. 

Lyon player ratings:

Anthony Lopes – 6

Clinton Mata – 5

Jake O’Brien – 5

Sinaly Diomandé – 5

Saël Kumbedi – 5

Skelly Alvero – 6, The midfielder was the saviour for OL as he scored a late equaliser to prevent Metz from taking all three points. The former Sochaux man is starting to grow in confidence and looks effective in the midfield. 

Maxence Caqueret – 7, Caqueret was the beating heart of Lyon’s midfield and put on another impressive display in midfield despite a disappointing all-round performance. His ability to win the ball back and spring counter-attacks is vital.

Mohamed Diawara – 5

Nicolás Tagliafico – 5

Alexandre Lacazette – 5, The Lyon captain should’ve won the game for OL had it not been for heroics from the Metz keeper but he looked like a frustrated figure up top and a shadow of the man who scored 27 Ligue 1 goals last season. 

Mama Baldé – 6

GFFN | Liam Wraith

Mikautadze is not seen as an idealistic fit for the football that they hope to play at the Johan Cruyff Arena, and Ajax would like to sell the Georgian, Mohamed Toubache-Ter reports. The Eredivisie strugglers are hoping to generate interest from several Ligue 1 clubs, but the newly promoted side are strongly considering the return of the 23-year-old.

The Lyon academy graduate has struggled to make an impact in the Netherlands only making 4 appearances in the Eredivisie to date with Ajax finding themselves at the bottom of the table in the Dutch top flight. The Dutch giants are unlikely to let Mikautadze leave cheaply following their big outlay on the attacker in the summer which could make any move for Metz difficult. 

GFFN | Liam Wraith