Olympique Lyonnais suffered a 3-1 defeat against Strasbourg on Sunday, closing the 23rd matchday of Ligue 1, despite the return of key players to the starting lineup. Endrick, back from a suspension stemming from a red card received at Nantes, started on the right wing but struggled to make a significant impact, according to reports.
Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca acknowledged the team’s overall performance was below par and indicated he would discuss the match with Endrick. “I don’t seek to single anyone out, all the players did not have a good match,” Fonseca told Ligue 1+. “I will talk to him, I need to notice what he could have improved in his game. As I did throughout the match. The players played at a different level than usual.”
The return of Endrick was accompanied by the availability of defenders Ruben Kluivert and Nicolas Tagliafico, both recovered from injuries. Kluivert had been sidelined with a hamstring issue since February 1st, while Tagliafico had been nursing a right ankle sprain sustained against Young Boys in the Europa League. Both rejoined full training this week and were deemed fit to play.
Still, Afonso Moreira remained unavailable due to a continuing hamstring problem, and Hans Hateboer was ruled out with a minor knee issue. OL had hoped Moreira would be fit to return to training on Friday, but he requires more time to recover.
Despite the return of several players, Lyon was unable to replicate the form that saw them secure a 2-0 win over Nice the previous week. The defeat halts any momentum towards equalling the club’s record of 14 consecutive wins, set in 2006 under Gérard Houllier. Fonseca had downplayed the significance of the milestone, emphasizing the importance of performance and acknowledging Strasbourg as a challenging opponent.
Long-term absentees Malick Fofana, Ernest Nuamah, and Orel Mangala continue their rehabilitation with a fitness coach, but are not yet close to returning to the squad.
