Pavel Sulc
LYO
Remains sidelined
Sulc (knee) remains out for Tuesday's second leg against Sparta Prague while dealing with knee inflammation, according to coach Paulo Fonseca, per Olympique et Lyonnais. "The absent players? We'll have them back soon. Mads Bidstrup and Sulc will return to the team soon"
Analysis: Sulc's fitness situation continues to run parallel to genuine transfer interest from clubs around Europe, with manager Paulo Fonseca previously acknowledging his market value and the possibility he could depart. He had already missed the friendly against Wolfsburg with a knee bruise, and this update confirms the issue has lingered since. Sulc is expected to be monitored closely both for his role in Lyon's plans and how his situation develops on the transfer market.
Dealing with knee inflammation
Sulc is dealing with a knee inflammation, according to coach Paulo Fonseca, per Le Progres OL, who also acknowledged the midfielder has the possibility of joining another club given the significant interest from around Europe. "Pavel is injured, knee inflammation, and he has the possibility of also going to another club, his value in Europe is significant, and many clubs are interested in him, it's normal."
Analysis: Sulc had already been ruled out of a recent friendly against Wolfsburg with a knee bruise, and this update confirms the issue is still lingering, with his fitness now intertwined with genuine transfer speculation. His path back to full team training will be worth monitoring closely, both for his role in Lyon's plans and for how his situation develops on the market.
Sidelined with knee bruise
Sulc was left out of Friday's 2-0 win over Wolfsburg with a knee bruise and is expected to be fit for the club's next friendly against Real Betis on July 29, according to assistant coach Jorge Maciel, per Olympique et Lyonnais.
Analysis: Sulc's knee bruise ruled him out of Friday's match as Lyon wrapped up their German training camp with a fourth win in five preseason matches. No further specifics on the injury have been shared by the coaching staff. He's expected to resume full training in the near term.
Invisible in loss
Sulc recorded one shot (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Wednesday's 3-0 defeat versus Mexico.
Analysis: Sulc lined up just behind Adam Hlozek in Czechia's attack but struggled to carve out any real chances as Mexico's defense, despite fielding a rotated lineup, dictated the match for long stretches of Wednesday's 3-0 defeat. He logged the full 90 minutes for a Czech side that needed a result to keep its World Cup hopes alive but lacked any real cutting edge in the final third. Czechia's World Cup campaign comes to an end after finishing bottom of Group A with just one point from three matches.
Quiet in Thursday's opener
Sulc recorded one shot (zero on goal) in Thursday's 2-1 defeat to South Korea.
Analysis: Sulc started Thursday's match in attacking midfield but struggled to get much going. He only recorded one off-target shot and failed to create a chance, leading to his early exit in the 64th minute. Attacking midfield substitutes Michal Sadilek and Adam Hlozek both provided more on the attack than Sulc, especially Sadilek who almost won the match on multiple occasions. Still, coming off a season with 14 goal contributions across 27 Ligue 1 appearances with Lyon, Sulc is a proven attacking threat. Perhaps he will fare better versus an inferior South Africa side on Thursday.
Expected to feature in World Cup
Sulc is part of Czechia's World Cup squad and could be heavily involved in attack during the early stages of the tournament.
Analysis: Sulc appears well positioned to open the World Cup in the starting lineup after establishing himself as one of Czechia's most productive attacking midfielders, scoring twice and recording an assist across nine qualifying matches. The Lyon standout combines creativity with a willingness to attack the box, making him a threat both as a scorer and provider. His offensive appeal is enhanced by his ability to contribute through shots and chances created, making him an interesting option throughout the competition. At 25 years old, Sulc is entering his prime and could emerge as one of the main forces of Czechia's attack if the team is to generate consistent scoring opportunities.
Trains with team, should return
Sulc (undisclosed) returned to full team training Friday and is expected to be available for Saturday's clash against Auxerre, according to Olympique et Lyonnais.
Analysis: Sulc had been limited to individual work on a separate pitch earlier in the week, making his return to the group a significant step forward after yet another disrupted spell this season. The Czech forward has had a stop-start campaign due to recurring injury issues, but getting back into full sessions on the eve of the Auxerre fixture puts him right back in contention. Afonso Moreira had been covering in his absence, but Sulc's return gives coach Paulo Fonseca more creative options in the final third for the ending stretch of the season.
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