Ben Yedder returns for Lyon clash as the battle for Europe spot continues

 

 

AS Monaco’s top scorer Wissam Ben Yedder is back in the team for the trip to fellow European aspirants Olympique Lyonnais.

With PSG likely to clinch the Ligue 1 title again, both teams are jostling for European qualifications.

As for Monaco, they have wobbled recently, dropping eight of a possible 12 points. They are currently 4th on the log, guaranteeing qualification for the UEFA Europa League group stage next term.

The wobble performance could be down to the absence of some key absences of key Ben Yedder and his strike partner, Breel Embolo.

The Frenchman, who has scored 17 goals, was suspended for last Sunday’s goalless draw with LOSC, while Embolo, scorer of 12, was only fit enough for a 17-minute cameo against Lille.

They are also without Krépin Diatta (knee), Mohamed Camara (ankle), and Malang Sarr (groin strain). This made Philippe Clement had to dip into the youth academy ranks.

Speaking on the club’s official website, the manager described them as the heart of the project here, adding that they want to develop young talents and give them a chance to rise. 

Monaco had several 18-year-olds in the matchday squad against Lille. Some include Mamadou Coulibaly and even Christian Matsima, who is only 20.

They will have Guillermo Maripan, who returns alongside Ben Yedder as he is expected to take his place at centre-back alongside Axel Disasi. 

Lyon will go into the clash in seventh place, three places and nine points behind Monaco and four away from Lille, who occupy the fifth and final European place with three games left to play this season.

Les Gones have been on hot form since the turn of the year, but they lost their winning run against regional rivals Clermont Foot 63 last Sunday 2-1.

Alexandre Lacazette, who has been in hot form, miss the chance to equalise with a 96th-minute penalty.

Lyon will be without centre-back Dejan Lovren who was replaced before half-time by Thiago Mendes due to a muscular injury against Clermont.

They will also go into the match without Lovren and Jérôme Boateng.

Sinaly Diomandé and Castello Lukeba are expected to pair at centre-back, while ill Bradley Barcola is expected to be replaced by Amin Sarr, who should join Lacazette and Rayan Cherki in the final third.

Written by Oladipupo Mojeed