French media: Fofana returned to training but did not play against Manchester United, Lacazette or become the starting center [jiayu]


Malik Fofana will not be fit for Lyon's Europa League quarter-final first leg against Manchester United on Thursday night despite his imminent return to action, according to French media GFFN.

Before this match, the Belgium international Fofana has resumed first-team training, but the return time is still a little hasty. Lyon are hoping Fofana will be fit for next week's second-leg clash at Old Trafford, with another notable absentee being Nowama, who has suffered a serious knee injury that will sidelined him for several months and is out early for the season.

To fill Ghana's void on the wing, Shelky is likely to play on the right, while Tiago Almada is expected to be the left wing attacker. Tolisso is expected to continue as a midfielder.

GFFN sources say Lyon are still hesitating over whether to start up front with captain Alexandre Lacazette or Georgia international Mikatadze. In midfield, Akuco is likely to start in place of Matic, while Tesman is out for personal reasons.

GFFN reporter gives Lyon's expected starting list:

Lucas Perry

Tagliafico, Niakat, Clinton-Mata, Maitland Niles

Veretu, Paul Acuco

Tiago Almada, Tolisso, Serki

Mikatadze