Ivorian forward Wilfried Zaha is poised to make his first appearance for Lyon in the Europa League, after being included in the squad for their match against Olympiakos. This marks a significant moment for the former Galatasaray star, whose early days in France had been clouded by reports of discomfort since his arrival at the club.
After weeks of speculation regarding his form and adjustment, Zaha now finds himself part of Lyon’s squad for the crucial European clash, with fans eager to see what the Ivorian winger can bring to the team.
Despite concerns about his initial struggles in settling at the club, the 30-year-old is now set to don Lyon’s colours for the first time on Thursday at the Groupama Stadium.
Zaha, known for his pace, dribbling skills, and attacking flair, made a high-profile move from Galatasaray in the summer transfer window.
Expectations have been high for the Ivorian, who played a pivotal role in Galatasaray’s successful campaign last season, helping them secure a league title.
His experience in European competitions and his dynamic ability on the wing were seen as key attributes that could bolster Lyon’s attacking options.
However, despite his pedigree, Zaha’s start at Lyon has been anything but smooth. Rumours of his discomfort and difficulty adapting to the French league surfaced early on, sparking concerns about his integration into the squad.
Lyon’s slow start to the season also added pressure, with many hoping Zaha’s presence would quickly ignite their attack.
Now, after weeks of anticipation, Zaha is in line to make his long-awaited debut. His inclusion in the squad for the Europa League match against Olympiakos presents an opportunity for him to silence his critics and begin making an impact at his new club.
The Europa League fixture is a vital one for Lyon, who will be looking to secure a positive result at home. With Zaha now available for selection, manager Laurent Blanc has another powerful option to deploy in attack.
His potential involvement could add a much-needed spark to Lyon’s forward line, as the French side looks to assert its dominance in the competition.
Fans will be particularly eager to see how Zaha connects with Lyon’s existing stars, and whether he can replicate the form that made him a standout player during his time in Turkey.
For Zaha, the match against Olympiakos represents a chance to make a fresh start in a new environment, and demonstrate why Lyon invested in bringing him to Ligue 1.
As Lyon prepares for their European encounter, all eyes will be on Zaha as he looks to make his mark on the team and kickstart a successful chapter in his career with the French side.
🦁 Notre groupe pour la réception de l’Olympiacos en @EuropaLeague, ce jeudi à 21h au @GroupamaStadium ⚔️🔴🔵#OLOLY pic.twitter.com/nI5ETze6ru
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) September 26, 2024
