Lois Openda is poised to make his first start for Olympique Lyonnais as Paulo Fonseca’s side prepare to face Fenerbahçe in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifier. The French club travel to Turkey with a depleted squad, however, as injuries and fitness concerns rule out several key figures ahead of the high-stakes encounter.
Khalis Merah and Pavel Sulc are both unavailable for the fixture, continuing their absences from the recent aggregate victory over Slavia Prague. Defender Nicolas Tagliafico is also missing from the travelling party as he works towards full match fitness, leaving Fonseca with limited options in defence.
Defensive adjustments
Tagliafico’s unavailability forces a reshuffle at left-back, where Abner is expected to step in. The Brazilian should line up alongside Moussa Niakhaté, Ruben Kluivert and Ainsley Maitland-Niles in front of goalkeeper Dominik Greif. This back four will need to withstand significant pressure from a Fenerbahçe side renowned for their formidable home record in European competition.
Midfield stability and debutant lead
In the engine room, Tyler Morton retains his place after consistent displays against Slavia Prague, operating alongside club captain Corentin Tolisso and recent signing Tanner Tessmann. Mads Bidstrup, another summer arrival from Red Bull Salzburg, is set to provide cover from the bench rather than starting.
The attacking trio offers pace and creativity. New signing Lois Openda leads the line for his debut, supported by Ernest Nuamah on the right flank. Malick Fofana occupies the left wing despite persistent transfer speculation suggesting he could leave the club before the window shuts. His inclusion indicates Fonseca is prioritising immediate results over potential disruption.
Path to the group stage
This first-leg tie represents a critical step towards securing a place in the Champions League group stage and the substantial revenue it guarantees. Lyon progressed to this round by eliminating Czech champions Slavia Prague, but Fenerbahçe present a considerable step up in quality.
The return fixture in Lyon next week will ultimately decide who advances, leaving little margin for error in Tuesday’s encounter. Fonseca must hope his patched-up defence can maintain solidity while his new-look attack finds its rhythm against experienced opposition.