Olympique Lyonnais have confirmed that Czech international Pavel Šulc will be out for around four months after suffering a right meniscus injury. The news arrived just before preparatory training for OL's trip to Hoffenheim in the Europa League, where the defender suffered an injury which requires him to undergo upcoming surgery. According to the club, the convalescence is expected to last until the end of summer 2027, which is a blow for coach Paulo Fonseca, who was counting on the athlete for his offensive plans.
This announcement immediately brought to mind the situation of Ismaëlo Ganiou, defender of RC Lens, who was also forced to undergo an operation after discomfort in his left knee. Lens announced Ganiou's removal from play without specifying an exact duration, leaving uncertainty surrounding the period of absence. The media, notably L'Équipe, are talking about a minor intervention and a possible return before the end of 2026, provided that there are no complications. So, while Šulc is already estimated at four months, the duration of Ganiou's absence remains to be confirmed.
Both injuries affect the same limb, but the prognoses differ depending on the nature of the injury, the type of operation and the progress of rehabilitation. A meniscus injury does not systematically guarantee four months of recovery; return time will depend on the severity of the damage and the player's response to physiotherapy. For Lens, the hope is to see Ganiou return before the end of the year, while for Lyon, the prospect is already set on a four-month absence.
Šulc's departure leaves a void in the center of Lyon's defense, and the club will have to adjust their lineup for the upcoming Ligue 1 and Europa League matches. As for Lens, the loss of Ganiou highlights the fragility of defenders in the face of knee injuries, and the club will have to rely on its replacements to maintain the solidity of its rear. Both teams will therefore have to adapt quickly to changes in the composition of their squads.