Manchester United is gearing up for a thrilling UEFA Europa League quarter-final clash against Olympique Lyonnais, set for April 10th.
The tie promises to be an exciting showdown between two of Europe’s most storied clubs, but Lyon’s preparations have been hit by a major setback.
Manchester United’s hopes of securing a spot in next season’s Champions League rest solely on their Europa League campaign, as they currently find themselves languishing in 13th position in the Premier League.
Winning the Europa League has become their only realistic route back to Europe’s elite competition.
Lyon will be without one of their key players, Malick Fofana, who has been ruled out for the first leg due to injury, as reported by L’Equipe.
Malick Fofana, 19, suffered a sprained knee while on international duty with Belgium, and is expected to miss at least three weeks of action.
This unfortunate injury means he will miss Lyon’s upcoming match against RC Strasbourg Alsace and, more critically, the first leg of their highly anticipated Europa League quarter-final at home to Manchester United.
Malick Fofana has been in excellent form this season, contributing 10 goals and five assists in all competitions, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt by Lyon as they prepare for one of their biggest tests of the season.
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As Lyon scrambles to adapt, further injury concerns are looming over Rayan Cherki, who is also a doubt for the first leg after sustaining a bruised foot while playing for France’s U21s.
The club is hopeful that Cherki can recover in time for the Europa League match, but his fitness remains uncertain.
Additionally, two other key players, Thiago Almada and Nicolas Tagliafico, are unlikely to feature in Friday’s match against Strasbourg or the Europa League clash against United due to their late return from international duty with Argentina.
With key players sidelined or struggling for fitness, Lyon’s chances of progressing in the competition are looking increasingly fragile.
However, the team remains optimistic about their prospects for the second leg at Old Trafford, where Fofana is expected to be available.
As United heads to France for the first leg, the Red Devils will be looking to capitalize on Lyon’s injury woes and make a strong statement in the first leg of the tie.
All eyes will be on whether Lyon can overcome these challenges and mount a serious challenge to one of Europe’s giants.
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