During Jordan Amavi's press conference, Julien Fournier, director of football, spoke about Mario Lemina’s health, who returned prematurely from the CAN after contracting Covid. "Mario is doing well, very well. He is training normally. We know the medical reports that were established at the CAN. His federation took the decision to send him back to his club. We carried out tests here in Nice, with the league's medical experts. All the tests were positive. Mario is in perfect health. This is very good news."

ATAL TO RETURN THIS FRIDAY EVENING

Is this news that could lead to the Gabonese international being included in the group that will travel to Metz this weekend? "He has been working with us but in an adapted manner, replied Christophe Galtier. Even if we are in a beautiful region and the sky is blue, we do not have the heat of Cameroon. So there is a little adaptation to be had. He did part of the session and then he worked individually. He will do a normal session tomorrow and if everything goes well, of course he will be in the group. He probably won't start, but I hope he will be an important starter for the team."

Youcef Atal, who was eliminated from the CAN with Algeria, travelled overnight and will return to the Côte d'Azur in the evening. I will have a chat with him," said the Aiglons coach. He has played almost every match, he is not lacking in rhythm. But he played on Thursday, in 35°. Physically, we'll be very careful. And then there is the psychological aspect. What will be his mental state after the elimination? He is very attached to his nation, he is very affected. He will train with us tomorrow morning and we will see.

To conclude, coach Galtier explained that "there were no injuries", while specifying that he was waiting for the results of the Covid tests which will be carried out before departing for Metz.