Senegal defender Moussa Niakhaté set to return for Lyon against Crystal Palace

Senegal international Moussa Niakhaté is expected to return to the Olympique Lyonnais squad for Thursday’s Europa League home match against Crystal Palace after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca indicated at a press conference that the 30-year-old defender could be available for the meeting with the English club after resuming training this week.

“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,” said the Lyon manager.

Niakhaté returns after hamstring injury

Niakhaté sustained the injury during the international break and subsequently missed Lyon’s away fixture against RC Lens on Friday, which ended in a 1-0 defeat.

His absence had raised doubts about his availability for the Europa League encounter with Crystal Palace. However, his return to training has given Lyon a timely boost ahead of the match.

Senegal defender likely to start on the bench

Despite his expected inclusion in the squad, Niakhaté is likely to begin Thursday’s match among the substitutes.

Felix Bacher, 25, and Ruben Kluivert, 25, are expected to retain their places as Lyon’s central defensive pairing against the London club.

Niakhaté has been an important figure for Lyon this season, starting all eight matches in which he has featured since the campaign began. His anticipated return would provide Fonseca with another defensive option as the French side prepares for the European fixture.