Lyon forward Rémi Himbert will be sidelined for six to eight weeks with a significant ankle injury, a setback for both the player and the club as they navigate a busy schedule in Ligue 1 and European competition. The 17-year-old, who recently signed his first professional contract, sustained the injury during a match against Celta Vigo on March 14, 2026.
Himbert has quickly become a key figure for Les Gones, having registered three goals and one assist in 11 appearances for the first team. His performances have impressed fans and earned him a place in Paulo Fonseca’s squad. The injury occurred in the 67th minute of the match against Celta, when a collision with Pablo Duran forced him to leave the field.
Speaking after the match, Fonseca expressed his concern, stating, “I was with the doctor and I think he has something not very good, but we will wait to return to Lyon and do a thorough examination of his ankle.” Those concerns were confirmed on Saturday, March 15, 2026, when Fonseca announced the extent of the injury during a press conference ahead of Lyon’s match against Le Havre.
Six to Eight Weeks on the Sidelines
“Rémi Himbert has a severe sprain, a serious one, he will be absent between six and eight weeks,” Fonseca revealed. “It’s sad for him, he is disappointed, it’s hard. I told him he must then focus on his recovery.” The news is a significant blow to Lyon, who are competing on multiple fronts.
The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate for Lyon. They remain in contention for a podium finish in Ligue 1 and are also participating in the UEFA Europa League. Himbert’s absence will require Fonseca to adjust his tactical approach and rely on other players to step up.
Himbert joined Lyon’s youth academy in March 2023, after previously playing for Étoile Naborienne and Thionville Lusitanos. He made his professional debut for Lyon on January 18, 2026, coming on as a substitute in a 2-1 Ligue 1 win over Brest. Just a few weeks later, on January 29, 2026, he made his first start in the UEFA Europa League against PAOK Salonika, scoring his first professional goal in the process. That goal made him the youngest goalscorer in Olympique Lyonnais’ history in European competitions, surpassing Karim Benzema’s previous record.
The young winger has also represented France at the U16, U17, and U18 levels, demonstrating his potential on the international stage. His progress has been remarkable, quickly transitioning from youth academy standout to a promising member of Lyon’s first team.
This injury interrupts that momentum, and the focus now shifts to his rehabilitation. The club will be hoping for a full and speedy recovery, but the six-to-eight-week timeline suggests he may miss the remainder of the current season.
For Lyon, the challenge now is to navigate the remainder of the campaign without one of their brightest young talents. They will require to rely on the depth of their squad and the contributions of other players to maintain their competitiveness in both Ligue 1 and the Europa League. The loss of Himbert is a test of Fonseca’s managerial skills and the resilience of the team.
The injury also serves as a reminder of the physical demands of professional football and the fragility of a player’s career. At just 17 years old, Himbert has already shown immense promise, but this setback will undoubtedly test his mental fortitude. The club will provide him with the necessary support to ensure a successful recovery and a return to the pitch as soon as possible.
Lyon’s next match is an away fixture against Le Havre. Following that, they will continue their pursuit of a top-three finish in Ligue 1 and their European ambitions in the Europa League. Updates on Himbert’s recovery will be provided by the club as they become available.
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