Lyon’s head coach Laurent Blanc is still counting on Chelsea loanee Malo Gusto (19) for the remainder of the Ligue 1 season. In January, the French U21 international signed a six-year deal with the West London side, joining for a €40m fee. Lyon negotiated a loan return in the deal, meaning Gusto was supposed to end the season with Les Gones before embarking on his new journey with the Blues. However, Gusto flew to London last month to follow treatment at Chelsea’s medical wing after feeling discomfort in his thigh. Since, Lyon has received the bare minimum of information regarding the fitness of Gusto.
Speaking during his pre-game press conference, that Foot Mercato attended, Blanc was asked on the availability of his two remaining right-backs, namely Saël Kumbedi (17) and Sinaly Diomandé (21). “You forgot one of them“, replied Blanc. “He still plays for Lyon, you know. I hope we’ll get Malo back.” Lyon and the 1998 World Cup winner with France are reportedly annoyed with the West London’s side secrecy about the fitness of Gusto. Blanc would like to know if he will be able to rely on him before the international break (from March 20 to 30), as he wants to field him for the season-defining Coupe de France semi-final in Nantes, on April 5. “He’s injured and we’ll wait for him to come back“, ended Blanc. Lyon play Lille away tonight for the opener of Ligue 1 gameweek 27.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
