Khalis Merah
LYO
Back available against Le Havre
Merah (ankle) is back available for Saturday's clash against Le Havre after being included in Lyon's matchday squad.
Analysis: Merah is available for the first time this season after recovering from the ankle injury that kept him out for most of preseason and Lyon's opening matches. The midfielder completed a full week of training before earning his return to the squad, though his lack of match fitness means he is expected to start on the bench against Le Havre.
Trains fully this week
Merah (ankle) trained fully this week and could be an option for Saturday's clash against Le Havre, according to Le Progres OL.
Analysis: Merah continues working his way back into full contention after missing the vast majority of preseason with an ankle injury, having returned to training at the end of July but yet to feature in any of Lyon's first three official matches. He was considered one of the club's breakout performers last season, making 32 appearances, and this full week of training marks a significant step toward getting him back up to speed after falling behind his teammates in match sharpness.
Still building back sharpness
Merah (ankle) continues working his way back into full contention after missing the vast majority of preseason with an ankle injury, according to Olympique et Lyonnais.
Analysis: Merah returned to training at the end of July but has yet to feature in any of Lyon's first three official matches, leaving him further behind than most of his teammates in terms of match sharpness. He was considered one of Lyon's breakout performers last season, making 32 appearances, and it will likely take some time before he's fully up to speed and ready to contribute at that same level again.
Still not ready to play
Merah (ankle) is still not ready for the second leg of the Champions League qualifying tie against Sparta Prague and will hope to be back for the season opener against Toulouse on August 22, the club posted.
Analysis: Merah had missed the first leg loss in Prague despite recently returning to full training after a faster than expected recovery from an ankle sprain, and this continued absence suggests the club is taking a cautious, longer term approach with his reintegration. He made 32 appearances last season and was considered one of Lyon's breakout performers, and his path back to match action will be closely watched as the club looks toward the start of its Ligue 1 campaign.
Absent for first leg in Prague
Merah (ankle) was not part of Lyon's traveling squad for Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League qualifying loss at Prague, the club announced.
Analysis: Merah had returned to full training following a faster than expected recovery from an ankle sprain, but this absence suggests the club opted for caution rather than risking him for the away leg, with hopes he will be available for the return match on Aug. 11. The midfielder made 32 appearances last season and was considered one of Lyon's breakout performers, and he is expected to continue building toward full match involvement as the club prepares for the second leg.
Back in team training
Merah (ankle) was back in team training Monday, according to the club.
Analysis: Merah's return to full training follows a faster than expected recovery from his ankle sprain, a positive sign after the injury had initially cast doubt over his availability for the Champions League third qualifying round on August 5 or 6. He made 32 appearances last season and was considered one of Lyon's breakout performers, and his return to the group now puts him firmly back in the mix for that opening European test of the new season.
Recovering faster than expected
Merah is recovering faster than expected from his ankle sprain and is putting himself in contention for Lyon's start to the season, with the goal of being fully fit before the Champions League third qualifying round on August 5 or 6, according to Hugo Guillemet of L'Equipe.
Analysis: Merah's quicker than anticipated recovery is a positive turn after the ankle injury had initially cast serious doubt over his availability for that qualifying round fixture. The 19 year old midfielder made 32 appearances last season and was considered one of the breakout performers of the campaign, and his improved recovery timeline now puts him back in the mix to be involved in Lyon's opening European test of the new season.
Suffers ankle sprain in training
Merah (ankle) sustained an ankle sprain during a collision with a teammate in training on the second day of pre-season and is expected to be sidelined for approximately one month, leaving him very uncertain for the Champions League third qualifying round in early August, according to Olympique et Lyonnais.
Analysis: Merah worked extensively to maintain his fitness over the summer before returning to training, making the timing of the injury particularly frustrating for the 19-year-old midfielder. His absence of around one month places his availability for the first leg of the third qualifying round, scheduled for August 4 or 5, seriously in doubt. The youngster made 32 appearances during the 2025-26 season and had been building momentum heading into what promises to be an important campaign for Lyon in European competition. A return at the start of August should still allow him to be available for the Ligue 1 opener and potentially one or two European fixtures if his recovery progresses as expected.
Clears injury scare
Merah (arm) has been cleared after further examinations confirmed he suffered only a hematoma on his right wrist after being stretchered off during Sunday's 4-2 win over Rennes, and will be available for Sunday's clash against Toulouse, according to L'Equipe.
Analysis: Merah had been stepped on during a duel and left the pitch on a stretcher with his arm in a sling and an ice pack on his wrist, raising serious concerns given the manner of his exit. The young midfielder celebrated the victory with his teammates despite the injury, and Monday's more detailed examination delivered a significant relief for Lyon, confirming the damage is limited to a bruise rather than anything structural. Merah should slot straight back into the starting lineup against Toulouse as the Gones push for Champions League qualification in the penultimate round of fixtures.
Stretchered off against Rennes
Merah (foot) was stretchered off during Sunday's 4-2 victory against Rennes after taking a knock, though sources close to the club have indicated there is no particular cause for concern over the young Lyon midfielder's condition, according to Le Progres.
Analysis: Merah had delivered an impressive performance before being forced off, and the manner of his exit naturally raised alarm given he had to be carried off by medical staff. The club will assess him over the coming days before making a final call on his availability for Sunday's clash against Toulouse, with Noah Nartey expected to take on a larger role in the midfield if Merah needs to sit out. His importance to Lyon's campaign is underlined by the fact that the Gones have won 24 of their 31 matches with him on the pitch this season.
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