Jean-Clair Todibo is yet to get going back in French football, and the nature of his departure from West Ham United has certainly played a part in his slow start with RC Lens.

Things have been so below-par at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis that questions have been asked about a potential return to East London during the January transfer window.

Yes, Todibo was ‘sidelined’ under Nuno towards the end. That was largely his own doing though. Nuno only wanted players ‘100 per cent committed’ to the cause, and Todibo showed few signs of that behind the scenes.

“Since he arrived, he’s been a very likeable lad, very interested in others,” Sotoca protests. “Of course, he’s not at 100 per cent. But that’s because his pre-season was disrupted, and we all know how things work in England when a player is sidelined…”

Todibo did not play a single minute during four friendlies; West Ham beating Stevenage but held to draws by Southend United, Rangers, and Magdeburg.

“He’s very present, both on and off the pitch, very important for us,” adds Sotoca. “He’s a professional who works hard in the gym, focusing on his nutrition. If he comes back at 100 per cent physically, it will be a huge asset for us. He’s going to surprise more than a few people. I can feel him getting stronger.

“When he was there [during his previous spell at OGC Nice from 2021 to 2024]. He was a physical monster. He impressed everyone. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in that form very soon.”

Todibo defended by Lens teammates and head coach

There have been no hints of a lack of professionalism since returning to France, though. He has only missed training once, head coach Yann Cahuzac said this week, and that was because of a family matter.

“I find [the criticism] harsh. ‘JC’ is a true professional. He was only late once, and that was because his son had an asthma attack,” said Cahuzac. “We shouldn’t give [the criticism] too much importance.”

Todibo joined Lens, who finished as Ligue 1 runners-up behind Paris Saint-Germain last season, on loan without an option-to-buy clause in his contract. He is tied down at the London Stadium until the summer of 2029, though it seems highly unlikely he will ever pull on the claret and blue shirt again. Particularly if Nuno remains at the helm, given how their relationship deteriorated.

The downside, from a West Ham perspective, is that Todibo in his current guise is unlikely to be snapped up on a permanent basis. He remains one of the highest earners in the roster, but has seldom looked worthy of his reported £80,000-a-week.

Todibo has come under fire for a lack of concentration at times, in addition to silly implosions like his red card in January’s 3-2 defeat to Chelsea when he grabbed Joao Pedro by the neck.

Todibo had another difficult evening on Friday night. Per Made in Lensois, he received a rating of just 4/10 as Olivier Giroud rolled back the years with a late winner for LOSC Lille.