Nicolás Tagliafico is not in the match selection of Olympique Lyon on Friday evening. Several French media have asked for the reason behind the left back's absence, but received no response from the club management.

Lyon management did say that the manager, Pierre Sage, will explain Tagliafico's absence before the match. French media are speculating a lot about a departure of the Argentines.

It does not appear that Tagliafico is absent due to an injury. The left back played ninety minutes on behalf of his team last Friday. Then Lyon managed to win 1-2 against Bergerac FC, reaching the next round of the Coupe de France.

Now Lyon will face Stade Rennes in Ligue 1. The match kicks off at 9:00 PM. Before that time, Sage has most likely provided more clarity regarding Tagliafico's situation.

Lyon is having a very disappointing season. Les Gones is now sixteenth, after the club carried the red lantern of the French competition for a while. Rennes is tenth.

Last summer, Tagliafico was linked with a return to Ajax. The now dismissed Sven Milsintat was keen on the Argentinian's return and he was also sympathetic to a transfer to the Johan Cruijff ArenA.

Ultimately, the deal fell through because the total cost proved too prohibitive for Ajax. Lyon required a transfer fee of more than 4.2 million euros and his salary was also a stumbling block. It is still unknown whether the Amsterdammers have now reported to Lyon again.

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