Pavel Sulc, Malick Fofana and Afonso Moreira return to lift OL before Celta Vigo | OneFootball

OL welcome the simultaneous return of Pavel Sulc, Afonso Moreira and Malick Fofana, a timely boost before hosting Celta Vigo on Thursday at 18:45 in the Europa League for a place in the quarter-finals.

L'Équipe reports that Paulo Fonseca confirmed all three will be in the squad. He said they are not ready for 90 minutes but can help the team, adding that after a long wait their presence gives him important extra options.

On Wednesday the head coach lingered by the training ground barriers to greet supporters, sign autographs and pose for photos, reflecting a lighter mood as he regains three attackers at once.

OL’s attacking edge has dulled in recent weeks, leaving them reliant on Endrick, whose finishing has not been at its best over the past month.

Fofana suffered a serious right-ankle injury from a tackle from behind by Strasbourg’s Ismaël Doukouré nearly five months ago and has missed 27 official matches. The Belgian, 20, had been highly effective at the start of the season.

Moreira used that gap to emerge. Signed from Sporting Portugal’s reserve side last summer, the tireless winger returns from a hamstring issue and turns 21 on Thursday in a stadium where he has become a favourite.

Fonseca previously accepted he pushed too hard to speed up Moreira’s comeback, eager to recover a player valued for his runs, depth and nine assists in all competitions. He also underlined the individual initiative Afonso and Malick provide, while Sulc remains the leading scorer as finishing has proved difficult lately. Defender Moussa Niakhaté welcomed their return for the variety they bring and the help they have already given this season.

Source: L'Équipe