French-Congolese midfielder Orel Mangala set for return from ACL injury

France-born Congolese midfielder Orel Mangala is set to return to action at Olympique Lyon.

The midfielder saw his loan spell at Everton abruptly cut short in January when the serious knee injury forced him back to Lyon, where he has been recovering ever since.

Mangala, now 27, has not featured in a single match this campaign. He made 21 appearances for Everton last season during his loan stint, but his final outing for the Premier League side came at the end of January, shortly before the injury derailed his progress.

Throughout the year, Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca has remained cautious when discussing Mangala’s rehabilitation, consistently noting that the Belgian international was still finding it difficult to train fully.

That situation has now improved. Mangala has been working with the first team for several weeks, and according to information relayed by Foot Mercato, a potential return in December is increasingly realistic.

Lyon, confident in his recovery, are not seeking midfield reinforcements and instead plans to integrate Mangala once he is cleared to compete again.

Fonseca has already signalled his intention to rely on the former Nottingham Forest midfielder when he finally rejoins the squad.