He lacks confidence – Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca uncertain over Ernest Nuamah’s return for Angers clash

Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca has casted doubt about the availability of Ghana international Ernest Nuamah for the upcoming French Ligue 1 clash against Angers.

Nuamah has been sidelined for almost one year after suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury during a Ligue 1 encounter against Lille OSC.

The winger missed the remainder of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where Ghana managed snatch one of Africa’s nine automatic slots, and has yet to feature in the 2025/26 football campaign for the French Ligue 1 giants.

Despite returning to training, Fonseca insists the former Nordjaelland winger lacks the confidence to make a competitive comeback.

“Ernest Nuamah? He’s a player who still lacks confidence due to his long injury,” the Portuguese coach initially stated. He said ahead of Angers clash.

Meanwhile, Fonseca has expressed his frustrations over the prolonged unavailability Nuamah.

“Teams are stronger when there’s competition at every position. When I see Ernest on the field, I think that’s the kind of player who makes the difference and whose absence hurts”

While a return to action may not come against Angers, the enterprising Ghanaian attacker could mark his return against Lorient next week.

His imminent return come as a huge boost for Ghana, who are gearing up for the 2026 World Cup tournament, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico between June and July.