Fit-again Senegal defender Moussa Niakhaté returns for Crystal Palace showdown

Senegal international Moussa Niakhaté is expected to return to Lyon squad for their UEFA Europa League home encounter against Crystal Palace on Thursday after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Niakhaté returned to training on Tuesday and continued his rehabilitation with another session on Wednesday, providing a timely boost for the French side ahead of their European assignment.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the encounter, Fonseca expressed optimism about the Senegalese defender’s availability.

“He resumed training with us on Tuesday, and again today (Wednesday), albeit at a low intensity, but I think he’ll be in the squad,” the Lyon manager said.

The 30-year-old had been a doubt for the meeting with Crystal Palace after sustaining a hamstring injury during the recent international break.

The setback forced him to withdraw from Lyon’s away fixture against RC Lens last Friday, a match they lost 1-0, leaving the club uncertain about his availability for the visit of the Premier League side.

His anticipated return is therefore welcome news for Fonseca, who will be keen to have one of his most dependable defenders available as Lyon seek a positive result in the Europa League.

However, Niakhaté is not expected to immediately reclaim his place in the starting lineup, with Felix Bacher and Ruben Kluivert likely to continue their partnership at the heart of the defence against the London club.

The technical team are expected to manage his return carefully, particularly after the hamstring problem limited his preparations for the match.

Despite the injury concern, Niakhaté’s importance to Lyon remains evident. The Senegalese centre-back has started all eight matches he has featured in since the beginning of the season, underlining his status as a key figure in Fonseca’s defensive setup.

His possible inclusion against Crystal Palace would give Lyon additional defensive options while allowing the coaching staff to assess his readiness for a full return to competitive action.

For Niakhaté, the immediate priority will be to regain full fitness and return to the starting XI, while Lyon will hope his availability strengthens their defensive depth for a demanding European fixture.