Selma Bacha Withdraws From France Squad, Set To Miss PSG Clash
Olympique Lyonnais and France defender Selma Bacha has been forced to withdraw from the French national team squad due to a calf injury, the French Football Federation has confirmed. The 23-year-old left-back sustained a left calf injury during Lyon's Coupe de France semi-final against Strasbourg, a recurrence of an issue that previously sidelined her in February. The injury rules her out of France's upcoming 2027 Women's World Cup qualifiers against the Netherlands on April 9th and April 12th. The French Federation announced that Bacha would not be replaced, leaving the squad at 25 players.
This latest setback compounds a difficult season for Bacha, who missed several weeks in February with a right ankle sprain. The timing is particularly unfortunate for Lyon, as the injury coincides with a crucial period in their season. The 23-year-old is a cornerstone for both her club and country, known for her attacking prowess and delivery from the left flank. Her absence will be a significant blow to the national team's defensive and creative options in their crucial qualifiers.
Bacha's injury also has immediate consequences for her club. The left-back will be unavailable for Lyon's pivotal UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain on April 14th. This is a major blow for Lyon, as the first leg of the tie ended in a 2-2 draw, leaving the return leg at Parc des Princes finely poised. Bacha's absence will force a tactical reshuffle for manager Sonia Bompastor, who will need to find a solution on the left side of the pitch. The French Federation confirmed that Bacha has returned to her club, Lyon, for further assessment and treatment.
This injury is part of a concerning pattern for the 23-year-old, whose season has been interrupted by two separate muscle injuries in quick succession. Her absence from the national team is a significant loss for coach Hervé Renard, who will be without one of his most dynamic attacking full-backs against a top opponent. For Lyon, the focus will be on managing her recovery carefully to ensure her return for the final, decisive weeks of the season, should they progress in the Champions League and the domestic league title race.
