Malouda out of derby showdown

Thursday 8 December, 2005

Lyon have been dealt a blow ahead of their trip to Le Chaudron with news that France winger Florent Malouda will not play again this year.

Malouda sustained a knee injury during last Saturday’s 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain and has been told to rest up until the New Year after suffering slight ligament damage.

Malouda was rested for the visit of Rosenborg on Tuesday, and, while it was thought to be a precautionary measure, the injury has now been deemed more serious.

He therefore misses the eagerly-anticipated trip to Saint-Etienne, as well as the Week 19 clash with Lille.

Les Verts are desperate to become the first side to defeat Gérard Houllier's Lyon this season. The 2-1 success over Rosenborg stretched the champions' unbeaten record to 25 matches in all competitions.