Garde calm despite Gourcuff absence

Lyon coach Remi Garde remains confident his side can cope without injured star playmaker Yoann Gourcuff.

Frenchman Gourcuff is expected to be out of action for three months with knee ligament damage after being forced to leave the pitch 12 minutes in to his side’s 4-1 win over Troyes on Saturday.

Garde is certain Lyon can cope without the 26-year-old midfielder despite his impressive form at the start of the Ligue 1 season.

“He’s been a very important player for us since the beginning of the season,” Garde said.

“He has made a good start to the season having scored a goal and made an assist.

“(However), we will cope with his absence, regardless of whether we choose to stay with the same formation or change it.”

Lyon’s next match is away to Evian, another club based in France’s central-eastern region.

Evian have lost their opening two matches of the Ligue 1 season but Garde remains wary of their local rivals.

“It will be difficult because it is a derby,” Garde said.

“It is a team which has already lost twice and needs both points and confidence.”