Orel Mangala
LYO
Could be available Sunday
Mangala (thigh) has completed another full week of training with the team and could be an option for Sunday's season finale against Lens, according to Le Progres OL.
Analysis: Mangala had been left out of the Toulouse fixture despite returning to collective sessions earlier last week, but his progression through another complete training week is the clearest sign yet that he should be ready to return for the final fixture of the season. The Belgian midfielder had been in strong form before the thigh lesion emerged and Lyon will be hoping to have him available for one last push as they look to seal their Champions League qualification ambitions on the final day.
Out against Toulouse
Mangala (thigh) was not included in the squad for Sunday's clash against Toulouse, according to the club.
Analysis: Mangala's absence is a setback after he had returned to team training earlier in the week and appeared to be on track for a return. The Belgian midfielder had been in strong form before the thigh issue emerged, and his unavailability is a blow for Lyon heading into a fixture with significant implications for their Champions League qualification push. No return timeline has been provided beyond Sunday's fixture.
Should return against Toulouse
Mangala (thigh) resumed team training in recent days and should be an option for Sunday's crucial clash against Toulouse, according to Olympique et Lyonnais.
Analysis: Mangala had been ruled out for around two weeks after suffering a small left thigh lesion during the win over Auxerre, but his return to collective sessions right on schedule is a timely boost for Lyon heading into a fixture that could have major implications for their Champions League qualification push. The Belgian midfielder had been in strong form before the injury struck and should push to regain his role for the final stretch of the season.
Set to miss two weeks
Mangala has been confirmed with a small left thigh lesion after being forced off in the 34th minute of Saturday's win over Auxerre, ruling him out for around two weeks, according to Hugo Guillemet of L'Equipe.
Analysis: Mangala had felt a twinge behind his thigh during the first half and was replaced by Tanner Tessmann, with medical examinations this week confirming only a minor lesion that requires 15 days of rest. The Belgian midfielder had been in strong form in recent outings, most notably against PSG the week prior, making the timing of the setback particularly frustrating for coach Paulo Fonseca. The positive news is that Mangala could be back in time for the May 10 trip to Toulouse, leaving him potentially absent for just one fixture. Corentin Tolisso is expected to take on a larger role deeper in the midfield for the Rennes clash in his absence.
Forced off injured
Mangala was forced off in the first half of Saturday's clash against Auxerre due to an apparent injury.
Analysis: Mangala was forced off in the 34th minute of Saturday's clash against Auxerre due to an apparent injury and will undergo further tests in the coming days to determine the severity of the issue. The midfielder had been in good form in recent matches, so his potential absence would be a significant blow, while Tanner Tessmann is the leading candidate to replace him in midfield if he is ruled out.
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