Marseille predicted XI v Lyon: Quentin Merlin set for debut, as Iliman Ndiaye, Amine Harit and Azzedine Ounahi return | OneFootball

Olympique de Marseille’s ranks have been bolstered ahead of the Choc des Olympiques against Olympique Lyonnais on Sunday, however, Gennaro Gattuso must also contend with some key absentees.

There are some welcome returns from the AFCON. Iliman Ndiaye is back, and is expected to start, and the same goes for Amine Harit and Azzedine Ounahi. However, whilst Ismaïla Sarr has also returned for Les Phocéens, he will miss out against Lyon through a hand injury.

There are further absences that Gattuso must contend with. Jonathan Clauss, whose future with Marseille was scrutinised towards the end of the transfer window, looks set to miss out with a knee injury. Pape Gueye, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Jordan Veretout also miss out with minor injuries, meaning that, had Ounahi and Harit not returned, Gattuso would have been very short of options.

Quentin Merlin is expected to make his debut at left-back for OM, alongside Samuel Gigot, who returns from suspension.

Marseille likely lineup v Lyon

Pau Lopez; Quentin Merlin, Samuel Gigot, Leonardo Balerdi, Bamo Meïté; Amine Harit, Jean Onana, Azzedine Ounahi; Luis Henrique, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Iliman Ndiaye. (L’Éq)

GFFN | Luke Entwistle