Lyon Confronts Injury Crisis Ahead of Critical Manchester United Match

Olympique Lyonnais has encountered a significant setback as they prepare for their upcoming UEFA Europa League quarter-final against Manchester United. Young Belgian forward Malick Fofana, aged 19, has been ruled out due to injury, dealing a blow to the team’s preparations.

Fofana sustained a knee sprain while on international duty, sidelining him for approximately three weeks. This injury means he will miss Lyon’s upcoming Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg and, crucially, the first leg of the Europa League tie against Manchester United on April 10th.

The Belgian striker has been a key player for Lyon this season, contributing 10 goals and 5 assists across 35 appearances in all competitions. While he is expected to recover in time for the second leg at Old Trafford, his absence in the first match is a significant loss for the French side.

Lyon is also facing uncertainty regarding other players’ fitness. Rayan Cherki is doubtful for the Strasbourg game due to a foot injury sustained while playing for France’s U21 team. Additionally, Thiago Almada and Nicolás Tagliafico are unlikely to start in the upcoming match, having recently featured for Argentina’s national team.

These injury and fitness concerns present a challenge for Lyon as they approach crucial matches in both domestic and European competitions.