Lyonnais vs Monaco - Monaco boss Jardim ready to rotate at Lyon

Posted Friday, October 13, 2017 by PA

Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim has hinted he may freshen up his side at Lyon after working with his squad during the international break.

The reigning Ligue 1 champions head north trailing leaders Paris St Germain by three points and keen to capitalise on Lyon's inconsistency in the early going.

With eight of Monaco's first team out on international duty over the past fortnight Jardim has been afforded a closer look at their understudies and suggested he may be ready to give them their chance soon.

"We have had eight players away for the World Cup qualifiers," Jardim told a press conference. "That is very good for us, even if it makes preparation for this match difficult.

"The players who stayed here worked well. They are hungry to play. This is an opportunity and a good test for them. We have a lot of matches to play and there will be more opportunities from now for those who have not played much."

One of those opportunities is for someone to step into the sizeable boots of Radamel Falcao, who will sit out the match as he is only due back on Thursday night after representing Colombia. Stevan Jovetic has also reported back to the club with an injury.

Lyon have only lost once in eight league outings this season, but four draws have left them hovering just above mid-table.

Jardim warned that was not a true reflection of their strengths.

"OL have a very good team, a lot of individual qualities," he said. "It's very strong in front. (Nabil) Fekir has progressed compared to last year. They are a very balanced team that will play for the top positions.

"This year it is a very competitive championship. Lyon, Nice, Marseille, Paris obviously, will fight for the top spots."