The displacement of Olympique Lyonnais in Strasbourg this Friday (8:45 p.m.) promises to be perilous in more than one title. If the dynamics are a good side of Lyon, the uncertainties linked to the return of certain internationals sow the trouble within the staff. Two important elements of the workforce, returned late from South America, may not appear in the group. For the time being, medical tests and discussions between all parties are underway to assess their state of form.
It was only on Thursday that Nicolás Tagliafico and Thiago Almada, both Argentines, landed in Lyon after playing a qualification match for the 2026 World Cup against Brazil. Scheduled on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday (1 a.m. French time), the meeting exhibited them at a significant jet lag, followed by almost 2 p.m. flight. Their late arrival within 36 hours of the match against Strasbourg makes their tenure very uncertain.
In Lyon, the decisions in the event of a tight return are made to three: the player, the coach Paulo Fonseca, and the doctor Manuel Alfonso. The club wants to take no risk with potentially tired players. The medical staff remains vigilant, recalling that “players may want to play, but caution is essential, especially when organizations are weakened”.
An accumulation of complex cases at OL
Tagliafico and Almada are not the only problematic cases. Lucas Perri, also involved in the Brazil-Argentina meeting, is going on the same deadlines. Rayan Cherki is uncertain after a discomfort felt with the hopes. Moussa Niakhaté, Clinton Mata and other internationals are also under surveillance after playing matches in Africa.
The Rhodanian club did not choose to play on Friday evening. This imposed calendar does not facilitate the management of the workforce. With late feedback and precipitated recovery, OL will have to make strong choices at the Meinau. Success in Strasbourg will go as much through the quality of the game … as through the mastery of bodies.
