Injury rules Loïs Openda out for Lyon

Olympique Lyon have announced that their Belgian striker Loïs Openda will be sidelined for at least a month due to a right leg injury. This is a significant blow for the team as they prepare for their domestic and European commitments.

Olympique Lyon has stated in an official announcement that the medical examinations Openda underwent revealed a fracture in his fibula in the right leg, following a strong collision during his former team's match against Lens last Friday in the Ligue 1.

Belgian striker Loïs Openda left the pitch early in the second half due to injury, later appearing with crutches. Openda had started his journey with Olympique Lyon well, having scored two goals in nine matches since joining the team on loan without an option to buy in last summer's transfer window.

Lyon has criticized French refereeing in its statement, considering that its striker has faced repeated fouls since the early minutes of the match against Lens, without sufficient disciplinary actions being taken, emphasizing the need to protect players' physical safety. Openda is expected to miss the match against Crystal Palace in the UEFA Europa League and the game against Nice, while Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca will have to look for a replacement to compensate for the absence of his striker, who will be sidelined at least until the next international break.