Leaders Lyon face their fifth match without midfield inspiration Juninho, who is nursing a fractured toe, when they welcome strugglers Sochaux on Saturday.

"It doesn't look too good," the Brazilian free kick specialist said. "My (left) foot is still painful and it's difficult for me to put a boot on."

Second-placed Bordeaux have injury worries ahead of their home match against bottom club Metz, with goalkeeper Ulrich Rame struggling with a sore ankle and defender Marc Planus suffering from groin pain. Both are doubtful starters.

Marseille playmaker Samir Nasri twisted his left ankle in France B team's 0-0 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo in Spain on Tuesday and is expected to miss his side's trip to Nice on Sunday.

Marseille, who have scored nine goals in their last two matches, will definitely be without Algeria midfielder Karim Ziani, who has damaged left-knee ligaments. Senegal striker Mamadou Niang should play after returning from the African Cup of Nations.

St Etienne, visiting Strasbourg on Saturday, could be without first-choice goalkeeper Jeremie Janot for over a month because of a shoulder injury.

The good news for 10-times champions, however, is that Guinea forward Pascal Feindouno has returned from the African Cup of Nations and is expected to figure.

Brazilian midfielder Souza, who joined from Sao Paulo during the winter break, should make his debut for Paris St Germain when they entertain Le Mans on Saturday.

Le Mans should welcome back goalkeeper Yohann Pele, who missed their last three games because of a thigh injury.

Monaco have defensive worries going into Saturday's home match against Lille, with Brazilian Adriano suspended and Sylvain Monsoreau sidelined with a thigh injury.

Eurosport