Nicolas Tagliafico ruled out as Lyon host Rennes in Ligue 1 | OneFootball

Nicolas Tagliafico will miss Lyon’s home match against Rennes in Ligue 1 on Saturday at 20:45 after a muscle issue. According to L'Équipe, the Argentine left-back is not in the matchday squad.

He was injured during Wednesday’s game at Anderlecht, which finished 2-1 in Brussels, after coming on at half-time. He did not train on Friday morning on pitch one at the Groupama OL Training Center. Coach Paulo Fonseca said it was a minor muscular problem and that he needs a few days, adding all other players are available.

Fonseca signalled he would rotate, stressing physical condition will decide. He noted those who featured against Anderlecht are not in the best state to start, and that opponent, form and strategy also count.

A refreshed XI is likely, with Dominik Greif in goal and Abner returning at left-back. In midfield, captain Corentin Tolisso with Mads Bidstrup and Tyler Morton, while up front Ernest Nuamah could support Loïs Openda and Pavel Sulc link play, tucking to the left without the ball.

The coach rejected the idea they play a 4-4-2 diamond, saying the shape fits the players and varies. It depends on where the ball is, the desired press, and whether opponents leave space inside or outside and play short or long.

Lyon have the chance to confirm their good start against third-placed Rennes, who went out to Fenerbahçe in the Champions League play-offs, 1-1 then 1-2. Abner said Rennes are strong collectively and physically, and that Lyon must sustain intensity for the full match after recent second-half dips, noting the group showed resilience at Anderlecht.

Source: L'Équipe

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