OL Secures Second Luxury Signing Ahead of Monaco Match
Olympique Lyonnais (OL) prepares for a crucial Ligue 1 match against AS Monaco this weekend. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 17:00, marking the start of the 2026 season. For this fixture, OL may benefit from a significant boost in their squad: the return of Clinton Mata, who has been training again.
Match Details and Context
This encounter comes at a vital time for the Rhodaniens as they vie for a spot in the UEFA Champions League. However, the match will see several key players absent. Notably, Brazilian talent Endrick will not feature as he is not registered for this initial match of 2026.
Player Availability
- Clinton Mata: Likely to return after participating in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
- Moussa Niakhaté: Expected to miss the match, leaving OL with limited defensive options.
- Endrick: Unavailable for selection this weekend.
Initially, OL was set to play without both Mata and Niakhaté, who have been pivotal in their season so far. Thankfully for coach Paulo Fonseca, only Niakhaté will be sidelined. This situation arrives amid a shortage of central defenders within the squad.
Clinton Mata’s AFCON Experience
Clinton Mata recently featured for Angola in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Unfortunately, Angola was eliminated in the group stage, earning just two points in three matches. Mata’s early exit from the tournament has allowed him to return to training ahead of the Monaco clash.
Furthermore, his return is timely and crucial, considering OL’s defensive challenges. As reported by Foot Mercato, the irregular scheduling of AFCON and the ongoing defender shortage at Lyon prompted his early return to training on January 1, 2026.
In summary, OL’s match against Monaco could potentially see Clinton Mata reintegrated into the squad, providing a much-needed reinforcement. With the absence of key players, his presence could play a significant role in the team’s performance as they aim for a strong start to the new year.
