Advertisement

EURO BITES: Ligue 1 - PSG hit by international break injuries, Lassana Diarra impresses on France return, and Lyon set for improved youth facilities

A round-up of news affecting Ligue 1 following the weekend of international action, including some big injury problems for Paris Saint-Germain.

image

PSG have concerns ahead of Real Madrid clash after injuries to Kevin Trapp and David Luiz, while Monaco’s Joao Moutinho was the pick of the Ligue 1 stars involved in Euro 2016 qualifying.

Marseille’s Lassana Diarra made his first France appearance for five years and Lille’s Vincent Enyeama has quit international football with Nigeria.

PSG CURSING INTERNATIONAL BREAK AFTER TRAPP AND LUIZ INJURIES

Up until this international break, Paris Saint-Germain’s season was going according to plan. The French champions are top of Ligue 1 and five points clear of second placed Angers SCO, and Laurent Blanc’s men have two wins from as many games in the UEFA Champions League.

However, injuries to goalkeeper Kevin Trapp and defender David Luiz during the international break mean that PSG are now likely to be without the pair for the next couple of weeks. The German and the Brazilian will almost certainly miss the Champions League showdown with Real Madrid in Paris next week.

JOAO MOUTINHO LEADS LIGUE 1 PLAYERS STARRING IN EURO 2016 QUALIFIERS

A number of Ligue 1 stars were in 2016 UEFA European Championship qualifying action this international break and AS Monaco’s Joao Moutinho led the way in terms of contributions.

The Portuguese scored the only goal in his country’s 1-0 home win over Denmark in Braga, which confirmed qualification, before he scored a late winner in a 2-1 success away at Serbia to end their campaign.

Elsewhere, PSG’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic missed a penalty but still scored in a 2-0 win away for Sweden against Liechtenstein, while capital club teammate Marco Verratti laid on a goal for Eder with a superb assist as Italy won 3-1 away at Azerbaijan.

Stade de Reims’ Jaba Kankava scored a stunner as Georgia threatened an upset against Germany before ultimately going down 2-1 in Leipzig, while FC Nantes’ Lorik Cana helped Albania qualify for their first major tournament.

LASSANA DIARRA IMPRESSES ON FRANCE RETURN

Appearing for France for the first time since August 2010, Olympique de Marseille’s Lassana Diarra impressed during Les Bleus’ 4-0 thrashing of Armenia in Nice.

The 30-year-old has enjoyed an excellent start to the Ligue 1 season, despite his club’s disappointing form, having signed on a free transfer this summer after leaving Lokomotiv Moscow.

If Diarra can build on his strong start to the campaign with OM and earn another call-up, he could make it into Didier Deschamps’ final plans for next summer’s tournament.

image

LILLE’S ENYEAMA ANNOUNCES NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL RETIREMENT

One of Ligue 1’s best-known international stars retired from international duty during the recent break.

Lille OSC’s Vincent Enyeama took to Instagram to confirm to fans that after 13 years representing the Super Eagles, he is no longer available for selection after falling out with new coach Sunday Oliseh.

The news is bad for Nigeria, but good for club side Lille, who now do not have to worry about him picking up injuries on international duty.

NEW YOUTH ACADEMY FOR LYON

Although they already possess one of the best and most fertile youth academies in the world, let alone France, Olympique Lyonnais are going to move into a new state-of-the-art training complex next year.

The club, who have academy graduates such as Nabil Fekir, Alexandre Lacazette, Corentin Tolisso, Samuel Umtiti and Anthony Lopes starring in the starting XI, will expect to keep ahead of their domestic and continental rivals with the new facilities.

OL president Jean-Michel confirmed the initial phase of construction last week and the new complex should be completed by late 2016.

image

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL FOR INJURY-HIT ABOU DIABY?

Marseille summer signing About Diaby sat out the team’s friendly against Ligue 2 side Nimes Olympique last week, but could finally be ready to make his debut for the club against FC Lorient this weekend.

The injury-prone France international was a surprise arrival after leaving Arsenal on a free transfer and has been battling his way back to full fitness ever since arriving at Stade Velodrome.

It seems the 29-year-old’s latest injury nightmare could finally be coming to an end.