Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa Set for Lyon Debut Against Rennes Amid Bisevac Injury Concerns
New Olympique Lyonnais signing Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa could make his debut for the club sooner than expected, as head coach Hubert Fournier revealed the defender is in line to start this weekend’s Ligue 1 fixture against Stade Rennais.
Lyon will host Rennes on Saturday at the Stade de Gerland for Matchday 3 of the French top-flight, and Yanga-Mbiwa, who joined from AS Roma less than a week ago, may be thrust straight into the starting line-up.
The potential early debut comes as Milan Bisevac continues to struggle with discomfort in his right knee, an area he underwent surgery on in February. The Serbian centre-back has missed training for the past three days.
“His arrival comes at a good time,” Fournier said during Thursday’s press conference. “Milan Bisevac is still dealing with some pain. There’s nothing alarming, but he returned very quickly from injury and we don’t want to take risks.”
Yanga-Mbiwa, 26, has been active with Roma’s pre-season preparations, making him physically ready, although Lyon had originally planned to ease him into the squad.
“We would have preferred not to rush his first appearance,” Fournier added. “But if Milan is not available, Mapou will start. This will give the fans the opportunity to see him in action for the first time.”
The former Montpellier and Newcastle United defender will now look to make an immediate impact and bolster a Lyon backline aiming for its first win of the season.
