Paris (AFP)

Moribunds before the international truce, Lille and Lyon are expected to rebound for the resumption of Ligue 1, Friday, during a fifth day when Neymar could return after his departure missed Paris SG this summer.

The Lille, passed through their last match in Reims (2-0 defeat), stagnate in the middle of the table before receiving Angers Friday (19:00).

The two-week break allowed some masters to recharge the batteries and, to others, to boost morale at half mast thanks to remarkable performances in selection.

This is the case of Turkish midfielder Yusuf Yazici (22), Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen (20) and French winger Jonathan Ikoné (21), all of whom have scored their first international goals.

"I hope to give everything with my club to return to the France A team," said the former Cornflower in the corridors of the Stade de France, Tuesday night, after his first tenure against Andorra.

The recovery against Angers, surprising 4th in the championship (equal points with the leader PSG), gives him the opportunity to concretize his wish, at the same time it will serve as a test run in Lille four days before their entry in the Champions League in Amsterdam against Ajax.

Traveling to Amiens (18th), Friday night (20:45), Lyon is in the same situation: forget the disappointment of the draw against Bordeaux (1-1) before the truce and prepare the recovery of the C1, also Tuesday, against Zenit St. Petersburg home.

On the side of the forces, Lyon coach Sylvinho can count on his forward Memphis Depay, brilliant with the Netherlands. But probably not on his defender and captain Jason Denayer who injured himself with Belgium.

The 5th day of Ligue 1 will continue Saturday with the highlight of the meeting between Paris and Strasbourg (17:30). More than the sporting aspect, it is the probable return of Neymar to the Park of the princes, after the interminable arm-wrestling committed by the Brazilian to leave the capital, which will be scrutinized.

Marseille will go Sunday (21:00) in the Principality to try to drive a Monaco team still sick, 19th with only two points. OM will be orphan Florian Thauvin, soon operated on an ankle and unavailable a priori until the winter break, according to his club.

Program of the 5th day of Ligue 1:

Friday:

(7 pm) Lille - Angers

(8:45 pm) Amiens - Lyon

Saturday:

(5:30 pm) Paris SG - Strasbourg

(20h00) Dijon - Nîmes

Bordeaux - Metz

Montpellier - Nice

Brest - Rennes

Sunday:

(3 pm) Nantes - Reims

(5 pm) Saint-Etienne - Toulouse

(9 pm) Monaco - Marseille

© 2019 AFP