Lyon hit by more injuries

Lyon duo Hatem Ben Arfa and Eric Abidal face a spell on the sidelines.

Both players sustained the injuries during Lyon's defeat to Lille in the French League Cup.

Abidal picked up a knee knock in the game and he has been forced to withdraw from the France squad for the game with Poland next week.

Ben Arfa's injury is a bigger concern for Lyon as he broke his collarbone and he faces several months on the sidelines.

Ben Arfa sustained the injury after being felled in the penalty area, but no penalty was awarded to Lyon much to the disdain of chairman Jean-Michel Aulas.

"At the end of the match I asked the referee to come and see Hatem Ben Arfa. He refused and it is a shame," fumed Aulas.

"Because he didn't blow for an obvious penalty, and he could at least realise the consequences of that forgotten foul.

"I am not sad with the elimination, but when there are fouls, you have to blow for them!

"I don't feel Mr Layec (referee) did everything to keep the physical integrity of the players.

"We have too many injured players, it is a big worry."