Central defender Moussa Niakhaté, absent during the last two meetings, could be missing again this Sunday.
A return still uncertain
Recruited this summer to reinforce the Lyon rearguard, Moussa Niakhaté is going through a delicate period. Victim of a muscular alert, the Senegalese had to skip the matches against Olympique de Marseille and Olympiakos.
While his return seemed imminent before the European meeting, the medical staff ultimately preferred caution. Pierre Sage, OL coach, remains cautious about the availability of his defender for the match in Toulouse: “I don’t dare talk to you too much, because last time, I told you that Moussa Niakhaté was valid, so the session invalidated him the next day. We’re going to test, but normally, we have the whole squad available, potentially.”
An impact on the composition
The potential absence of Niakhaté could have significant repercussions on the Gones tactical plan. Since the defeat against Monaco, Pierre Sage has opted for a three-man defense, abandoning the four-defender system. But the match against Olympiakos in defense at 4 was satisfying. Pierre Sage should recompose with his defense at 4, with Mata or Niakhaté starting next to Caleta-Car.
Limited choices in central defense
The uncertainty surrounding Niakhaté highlights the lack of depth in the Lyon squad in central defense. With only three professional central defenders available, including Omari who is struggling to gain the trust of his coach, the options are limited. Clinton Mata and Tagliafico seem to be the two most valid options.
A complicated start to the season for Niakhaté
Arriving with high expectations, Moussa Niakhaté had a difficult start in Lyon. After a restart error during his first match against Rennes, the defender was able to recover and establish himself as a key element of the Lyon defense.
His absence was felt during the defeat against Marseille, where the left axis usually occupied by the Senegalese was put in difficulty.
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