Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Pavel Šulc has revealed he is currently playing with a significant injury, disclosing that he has bone oedema and a bruised knee. The Czech international’s condition causes him pain, particularly on hard pitches, but he continues to feature for the Ligue 1 side.
Playing Through Persistent Pain
Speaking to Czech daily ČT Sport, Šulc explained the nature of his persistent injury. “I have bone oedema and a bruised knee, and I’ll always have it,” he stated. He added that while it doesn’t always bother him, “in certain situations it’s painful, especially on a hard pitch.” Despite the discomfort, the 25-year-old does not take painkillers to manage the condition, opting instead to manage his playing time when feeling unwell.
The only effective treatment for Šulc’s injury is an prolonged period of complete rest. He clarified that “the only treatment is rest – three months on crutches – and unfortunately, that’s not possible” during the current season. The midfielder expressed hope that a break might be possible next summer, provided there are no international tournaments, which would allow him to take a month’s rest and find a long-term solution for the issue.
Season Contributions Despite Injury
Šulc initially picked up the injury at the beginning of Lyon’s pre-season preparations. This setback led him to miss crucial Champions League qualifying matches, where Les Gones were ultimately knocked out by Turkish side Fenerbahçe. However, he has since been a regular presence for the club, featuring in all five of their Ligue 1 matchdays so far this season.
Despite playing through pain and managing his physical condition, Šulc has demonstrated his importance to the team’s attacking efforts. He has provided three assists in Ligue 1 this season, showcasing his creative influence. Notably, one of these assists came during Lyon’s resounding 4-0 victory over Stade Rennais, a performance that highlighted his ability to contribute decisively even while carrying an injury.
Šulc’s situation underscores the challenges many professional footballers face, balancing the demands of competitive play with personal well-being. His commitment to Olympique Lyonnais remains evident as he continues to play a role in their domestic campaign despite the ongoing physical discomfort.