Paris FC travel to Lyon without suspended Algerian star Ilan Kebbal

Paris FC will travel to face Olympique Lyonnais without key playmaker Ilan Kebbal after the midfielder was suspended following his fifth yellow card of the season.

The absence comes as the Parisian side prepares for a challenging trip against a Lyon team seeking to halt a run of three consecutive defeats.

Kebbal was booked on 21 February during Paris FC’s away match against Toulouse, bringing his tally of cautions for the campaign to five.

Although he featured in the following match, the French Professional Football League’s disciplinary committee later confirmed that the Algerian international would serve his suspension during the upcoming fixture against Lyon.

The decision leaves Paris FC without one of their most influential players for a match that carries importance for both sides.

The Parisians will be aiming to secure a second successive victory since the arrival of their new coach, Antoine Kombouaré, while Lyon will be looking to regain momentum after their recent struggles.

Speaking ahead of the game, Kombouaré acknowledged that Kebbal’s absence would be felt by the team.

“He’s a leader, an important player for the team. It’s up to the group to make sure his absence isn’t too noticeable.”

The coach also said that plans had already been considered to reorganise the side without their playmaker.

“I have an idea of how we’re going to organize ourselves to compensate for this absence.”

Replacing Kebbal will not be straightforward. The Algerian right winger has played a central role in Paris FC’s attacking system this season and remains the squad’s most decisive player, contributing regularly in key moments.

Kombouaré also addressed the situation of another Algerian international in the squad, Mehdi Chergui, whose availability remains uncertain ahead of the trip to Lyon.

The player recently returned to training after a two-month absence and has completed his first week of work with the group.

The coaching staff will make a final decision on his inclusion after the final training session before the match.

As Paris FC prepares for the encounter, the focus will be on how the team adapts without Kebbal and whether other players can step forward to fill the gap left by one of the club’s most influential figures.