Ederson likely to be replacement of Sidney Govou

Ederson likely to be replacement of Sidney Govou

Brazilian playmaker Ederson is likely to replace the injured Sidney Govou in Lyon's starting line-up for their Champions League qualifier against Anderlecht at the Stade Gerland.

France winger Govou, Les Gones' captain this season, hurt his thigh in the first half of his side's 1-0 win against Valenciennes on Saturday night.

Ederson should be drafted in on the right flank by coach Claude Puel, who is also without right-back Francois Clerc (adductor).

Jeremy Toulalan was rested by Puel at the weekend but the France international will be back to anchor Lyon's midfield for the play-off round first-leg meeting against the Belgians.

It is the Rhone-Alps club's 11th successive season in the Champions League, the preliminary rounds included, and after their summer spending spree, president Jean-Michel Aulas knows the importance of qualifying for the money-spinning group stages.

"A huge match awaits us against a very good Anderlecht team," he is quoted as saying on Lyon's official club website.

"It's not a question of being scared of Anderlecht but we have to be aware that they are a strong team.

"We are going to take the match very seriously."

Anderlecht have started their new domestic campaign superbly, winning their opening three matches in the league.

Their latest success was a 3-0 rout of Westerlo at the weekend.

Coach Ariel Jacobs has named a 21-man squad for tomorrow's showdown, with goalkeepers Daniel Zitka (ankle) and Sebastien Bruzzese (shoulder) still sidelined.

Argentinian striker Nicolas Frutos is back in the squad, Jonathan Legear returns from a back injury while highly-rated forward Romelu Lukaku also travels to France.

Goalkeeper Silvio Proto told official club website: "We can't allow ourselves to start the match with any fear.

"If we are realistic, Lyon are clearly favourites but we have to give all we can at the Stade Gerland."

Lyon, who will be competing in the Champions League's preliminary phase for the third time, should stick with Bafetimbi Gomis up front after his winning strike against Valenciennes on Saturday.

Fellow summer signing Lisandro Lopez, who has impressed since joining from Porto for 24million euros, will play just behind Gomis in the hole.