Moussa Niakhaté returns as Paulo Fonseca backs Lyon to overturn Sparta Prague deficit

Moussa Niakhaté will return to Olympique Lyonnais’ squad for Tuesday’s Champions League play-off second leg against Sparta Prague, with manager Paulo Fonseca stressing the defender’s importance to his side.

Lyon go into the match at Groupama Stadium needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg. Fonseca believes his team can still recover from the setback and continue their campaign in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.

Niakhaté missed the first meeting through suspension, while Tagliafico was also absent as Lyon struggled to impose themselves during the opening leg.

The French side showed weaknesses at both ends of the pitch in the 2-1 defeat, leaving them with work to do in the return fixture.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, on the eve of the second leg, Fonseca highlighted the boost provided by Niakhaté’s return to the squad.

The Lyon manager said the Senegalese defender’s availability gives him more options ahead of the decisive encounter, while also pointing to the player’s leadership and his contribution in both technical and tactical areas.

“ The group is motivated. We have talked a lot and with Moussa’s return, we have more solutions to start the match (…) Moussa Niakhaté is important for us, especially because of his leadership. Technically and tactically, he is also very important for the team. That’s why he will play, ” he said

Fonseca’s comments confirm that Niakhaté is expected to start against Sparta Prague as Lyon attempt to overturn the first-leg result.

The return of the defender comes at an important point for Lyon, who must win the second leg to keep their hopes of progressing in the Champions League alive.

Fonseca said the squad has remained motivated despite the defeat in the first meeting and indicated that discussions within the group have focused on preparing for the opportunity to change the outcome.

With Niakhaté available again, Lyon will have another option in defence as they seek to produce a stronger performance at Groupama Stadium.

The second leg now presents Lyon with the chance to respond to their first-leg disappointment and secure their place in the next stage of the competition.