Lyon is facing a challenging stretch as they anxiously await the return of midfielder Pavel Šulc, whose absence has coincided with a downturn in form for the French club. What began as a promising season, with Lyon enjoying a 13-match winning streak and progression to the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France, has hit a snag since Šulc’s injury in late February.
The Czech Republic international sustained a thigh injury during a Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg on February 28th, forcing him off the pitch in the 28th minute. Since then, Lyon has struggled to replicate their earlier success, exiting the Coupe de France and dropping to fourth place in the Ligue 1 standings after a draw with Paris FC. The team’s head coach, Paulo Fonseca, has acknowledged the impact of Šulc’s absence, highlighting his unique qualities and importance to the squad.
Šulc’s Impact: More Than Just Numbers
Fonseca emphasized that Šulc brings a crucial element to Lyon’s attack, stating, “We need effective players who can grab responsibility, who have athleticism and show commitment in the box.” The coach noted that Lyon has lacked that decisive edge in the final third without Šulc’s presence. The 25-year-old’s ability to break down defenses, even during less-than-stellar team performances, was a key attribute that is currently missing.
The timing of Šulc’s injury couldn’t have been worse for Lyon, as they were similarly dealing with injuries to other key players, including Afonso Moreira and Ruben Kluivert, the son of Dutch football legend Patrick Kluivert. The combined effect of these absences has left Fonseca short-handed and forced him to rely on younger players.
A Difficult Stretch for Les Gones
Lyon’s recent struggles are starkly contrasted with their earlier form. The team’s winning streak and strong performances in both Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France had positioned them as genuine contenders. However, the loss to Strasbourg, followed by their cup exit and the draw against Paris FC, have raised concerns about their ability to maintain a top-four position.
Despite the recent setbacks, Fonseca remains cautiously optimistic. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the injuries but refrained from overstating the situation, saying, “It’s not fine, but I don’t want to make a drama out of it. Today we had to put some young players on the field and they did what they could.”
Endrick’s Situation and Fonseca’s Balancing Act
Adding another layer of complexity to Lyon’s situation is the form of Brazilian forward Endrick, who is on loan from Real Madrid. Recent reports from French publication L’Équipe suggest that Endrick has struggled to maintain his initial impact, with a decline in goal-scoring and a perceived lack of defensive contribution. Fonseca addressed this, explaining the need to manage the young player’s workload, and expectations.
“He was on the bench primarily because if we put him on right away, he might secure injured. We are on the edge physically,” Fonseca explained. He also acknowledged the pressure Endrick faces, stating, “Sometimes it’s hard to explain to him when to run behind the defense and when to come back. He just wants to score goals. It’s difficult for him when he’s productive, he gets a lot of praise, when he’s not, he gets a lot of criticism.”
Hope on the Horizon: Šulc’s Potential Return
Lyon fans are eagerly anticipating Šulc’s return to the pitch. Fonseca has indicated that Šulc, along with Moreira, could be back in contention before the international break. A potential return date is March 22nd, when Lyon faces Monaco at home. This would be a significant boost for the team, both in terms of squad depth and morale.
Šulc’s potential return is also welcomed by the Czech national team, with novel head coach Miroslav Koubek hoping to have him available for the upcoming World Cup qualifying play-off against Ireland on March 26th. Having a fully fit and in-form Šulc would be a major asset for the Czech Republic as they aim to secure a spot in the tournament.
The situation at Lyon underscores the importance of key players and the impact injuries can have on a team’s performance. Whereas Fonseca remains focused on navigating the current challenges, the club’s supporters are hoping for a swift recovery for Pavel Šulc and a return to the form that made them one of the most exciting teams in Ligue 1 earlier this season.
Lyon’s next confirmed match is at home against Monaco on March 22nd. Fans will be watching closely to see if Šulc is fit enough to feature, and hoping his return can spark a resurgence for Les Gones.
