Moussa Niakhate ruled out of Lyon’s Ligue 1 trip to Lens

Moussa Niakhate has become a major injury concern for Lyon after returning from international duty with a hamstring problem, and he will now miss Friday’s Ligue 1 trip to Lens.

The Senegal defender had already pulled out of his country’s friendly against Comoros in Marseille on Sunday, and L’Equipe has now confirmed he will not travel with Paulo Fonseca’s squad to the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Lyon open the sixth round of the season against Lens on Friday.

Moussa Niakhate’s absence is a significant blow for Fonseca, who had used the 30-year-old in every Ligue 1 match so far this season. His consistency has made him an important part of Lyon’s strong defensive record.

The problem could keep him out for longer than one match. L’Equipe reports that Niakhate is also a doubt for Lyon’s Europa League meeting with Crystal Palace at Groupama Stadium next Thursday.

Fonseca now faces a difficult decision over who replaces the Senegal international at the heart of defence. With Lyon second in Ligue 1 and unbeaten after five matches, losing Niakhate at such a crucial stage is far from ideal.