Injury returns and Endrick loan can lift Lyon ambitions for the second half | OneFootball

Lyon enter the second half of the season with ambitions refreshed by injury comebacks, the arrival of Endrick on loan and the prospect of further signings.

According to L'Équipe, Endrick is not yet eligible for Saturday’s trip to Monaco at 17:00, though within weeks OL’s squad should better match the club’s aims.

Belgian midfielder Orel Mangala, 27, returns to the squad, his first Ligue 1 involvement since the 3-0 win over Nantes on 30 November. After a loan from Nottingham Forest on 1 February 2024, a €23.4m move in July and a loan to Everton in August, knee and hamstring injuries have restricted him.

Paulo Fonseca has managed shortages since July, and Mangala’s reintegration is viewed as a winter boost. The reset begins in Monaco, with Clinton Mata available despite expectations of Africa Cup of Nations duty until mid-January.

AFCON currently deprives Lyon only of Moussa Niakhaté. Endrick, on loan from Real Madrid, becomes eligible next week, while Malick Fofana is hoped back before the end of January and Ernest Nuamah has no return date.

A spring front three of Nuamah, Endrick and Fofana could follow, likely reducing minutes for Karabec, Satriano and Moreira. Mangala says extra options should lift the overall quality.

Fonseca still wants further additions and expects more arrivals, without naming positions. Lyon sit fifth in Ligue 1 before Monaco, targeting Champions League qualification and a deep Europa League run. He welcomes having genuine selection choices again.

Source: L'Équipe