Under the lights at Groupama Stadium, Lyon will look to turn a demanding European week into another statement of their Ligue 1 intent — but they will do so without Nicolas Tagliafico.
The Ligue 1 news
The Argentina left-back has been ruled out of Saturday’s home match against Rennes, scheduled for 20:45, after picking up a minor muscle problem during Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Anderlecht in Brussels.
Tagliafico came on at half-time against the Belgian side but did not take part in Friday morning’s session on pitch one at the Groupama OL Training Center. Paulo Fonseca said the issue is not serious, although the defender needs several days to recover.
“It is a small injury, a muscle issue suffered in the Anderlecht match,” Fonseca said. “He needs a few days of recovery. Everyone else is available.”
Abner is expected to replace Tagliafico at left-back as Lyon prepare to make further changes following the midweek fixture. Dominik Greif could return in goal, with captain Corentin Tolisso likely to be joined in midfield by Mads Bidstrup and Tyler Morton.
Further forward, Ernest Nuamah is expected to operate alongside Loïs Openda, while Pavel Sulc could provide support to the pair. In possession, Sulc may move into a more central attacking role; without the ball, he is expected to cover the left side.
Fonseca rejected the suggestion that the shape should simply be described as a diamond 4-4-2. The Lyon coach said his set-up changes according to the qualities of his players, the location of the ball, the desired pressing level and the spaces offered by the opposition, whether centrally or wide. He also considers whether opponents prefer to build short or play longer passes.
Fitness will be a major consideration after the Anderlecht tie. Fonseca noted that players involved in Belgium are less likely to be at their freshest from the start, while those who did not play are in better condition. Selection, he added, will also depend on Rennes’ form and Lyon’s game plan.
Rennes provide the next test in France
Lyon have the chance to reinforce a positive beginning to the domestic campaign against a Rennes side sitting third in Ligue 1 and regarded as a contender for the top places.
The hosts are seeking a response in league terms after their Champions League play-off exit to Fenerbahçe, following a 1-1 first leg and a 2-1 defeat in the return match.
Abner expects Rennes to provide a stern examination, particularly of Lyon’s ability to sustain their work beyond the interval.
“Rennes are a very strong side — physically, collectively and individually,” Abner said. “It will be difficult against a team like that. We have to play for the whole match. We begin first halves well, but we suffer after the break. We must maintain our intensity and concentration throughout.”
The Brazilian added that Lyon were forced to endure pressure in the second half against Anderlecht, but felt the team had shown it was prepared to fight through difficult moments together.
