Lyon lose Czech midfielder Pavel Šulc for four months

Olympique Lyonnais confirmed on Sunday that 25‑year‑old Czech midfielder Pavel Šulc has torn a meniscus in his right knee during a training session ahead of the Europa League trip to TSG Hoffenheim, and will undergo surgery that is expected to keep him out for around four months.

The meniscus tear occurred during a training session on the morning before Lyon travelled to Germany for their Europa League away tie against TSG Hoffenheim. That match, played last Thursday, ended in a 3‑0 victory for the French side.

Surgery and recovery timeline

Medical staff have scheduled surgery for Šulc and expect the recovery period to last roughly four months. Consequently, the midfielder will miss action until the end of February, with a possible return in early March 2027.

Lyon also face the absence of forward Loïs Openda, 26, who suffered a fractured fibula in the 2‑1 defeat to RC Lens in early October. Openda is projected to be sidelined for several more weeks.

Since the start of the campaign, Šulc has featured in ten games, starting five. He has contributed two goals and three assists, directly influencing five decisive moments across all competitions.

The club’s medical statement confirmed the four‑month lay‑off and outlined the planned surgical procedure. It reiterated that Šulc’s recovery will be monitored closely by the medical team.

The twin setbacks leave Les Gones short‑handed in midfield and attack as they continue their Europa League campaign. The combined absences further strain Lyon’s squad depth heading into the latter stages of the competition.