Lyon head to Prague with five missing for C1 first leg

Olympique Lyonnais travel to Prague for the Champions League (C1) third‑round first leg on Tuesday evening at 20:00, but will do so without five key figures – the suspended Moussa Niakhaté, injured Danish recruit Mads Bidstrup, ankle‑sprain‑affected Khalis Merah, Czech striker Pavel Šulc whose fitness is doubtful, and Nicolás Tagliafico still absent after the World Cup.

The European campaign for French clubs kicks off this Tuesday evening, yet not all Lyon players will be on the field for the Ligue des champions tie. L’Équipe noted four absences during Tuesday’s training session ahead of the tie with Sparta Prague.

Czech striker Pavel Šulc remains a doubt to return to his home country, while the Danish newcomer Mads Bidstrup – Lyon’s most expensive signing this window – is listed as physically affected by the club. Additionally, Khalis Merah is recovering from an ankle sprain and Nicolás Tagliafico has yet to rejoin after the World Cup.

Ligue clash looms: Lyon must choose European path before Sparta Prague

Defender Moussa Niakhaté is suspended and trained in Décines on Monday, and Austrian recruit Felix Bacher completed his paperwork on Saturday, making him available for selection. Both players add depth to a squad already thin on options.

Loïs Openda attended his first training session on Friday, after Lyon’s 4‑0 friendly defeat to Betis Sevilla, a match in which he did not feature. The forward will look to make an impact in his first competitive appearance for the Gones.

Ligue blow for Lyon after Bétis Séville defeat, travel to République

The encounter is scheduled for 20:00 on Tuesday in the Czech capital, with Lyon aiming to secure a favourable result despite the depleted roster.