Lengthy absence confirmed for Lyon’s Rémi Himbert

Rémi Himbert (18) sustained an ankle injury during Olympique Lyonnais’ draw against Celta Vigo in midweek. Paulo Fonseca has now revealed the severity of the injury.

The Frenchman has featured increasingly often in recent weeks, due to a lack of depth in the forward positions, but also because, when he has come on, he has impressed. Prior to Thursday night’s UEFA Europa League draw against Celta Vigo (1-1), Himbert had made 10 first-team appearances this season, scoring three goals (one in Ligue 1, one in the UEFA Europa League, and one in the Coupe de France).

He once again came off the bench in Spain, but lasted just seconds before he was on the floor clutching his ankle. Pablo Duran had fallen on the striker’s right ankle and, unable to walk, he was aided off by OL’s medical staff. Brought on in the 67th minute, he was replaced by Adam Karabec in the 70th.

Post-match, Fonseca said that he thought Himbert’s injury was “not good”, and so it has transpired. Speaking on Saturday, the Lyon manager said that the forward would be absent for between six and eight weeks with a “severe sprain”, ruling him out for much of the remainder of the Ligue 1 season.

“It is sad for him. He is disappointed. It is difficult. I told him that he now just has to focus on his recovery,” added Fonseca.