Because there wasn’t enough drama in Saïd Benrahma’s move from West Ham United to Lyon on transfer deadline, we now see the Algeria international having to wait for his debut.
Already unable to feature against Marseille on Sunday because he wasn’t registered in time, he will now have to miss the game against Lille in the Coupe de France because of the red card he picked up against Bristol City in the FA Cup.
L’Equipe explain the situation on Wednesday, as they preview the French cup game, which is taking place this evening, and reveal why the West Ham loanee will not be a part of the squad.
Lyon waited on Tuesday for the green light from the French FA to register Benrahma in their squad, which took longer than usual because they are being monitored by the French financial watchdog, DNCG, meaning qualification delays take four days instead of two.
That was also the case for Orel Mangala, who arrived from Nottingham Forest, but the Benrahma situation was also a bit trickier.
Because of his red card against Bristol City while playing for West Ham, they had to work out what games from his two match suspension he had already served.
It was agreed that the Hammers’ clash against Bournemouth counted, but because he wasn’t qualified to play in the Marseille game, that wasn’t registered.
Therefore, his second game will be the Lille match in the Coupe de France, meaning Benrahma’s first chance to make his debut for Lyon after his loan from West Ham will come next Sunday against Montpellier.
