Khalis Merah returns to competition for Olympique Lyonnais

Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Khalis Merah has returned to competitive play following a four-month absence due to an ankle injury. The 19-year-old, a French U20 international, made his first appearance since May 10, 2026, during a match against AJ Auxerre.

Substituted into the game in the 67th minute for Pavel Šulc, Merah played 25 minutes. During his time on the pitch, he recorded 18 touches, lost only one ball, and won four out of five duels. He completed all 12 of his passes, including one key pass that nearly resulted in an assist for Kaïl Boudache, who hit the crossbar.

After missing the first five official matches of the season and remaining on the bench during the match against Le Havre, this performance marks the start of Merah's second professional season.