Khalis Merah
LYO
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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