Lyon have lost another defender to injury in the shape of Sylvain Monsoreau.
Gerard Houllier has been left lamenting his luck after injury struck down another one of Lyon's defenders.
Sylvain Monsoreau will be out for six to eight weeks after an MRI scan revealed the extent of a thigh injury suffered in Sunday's goalless draw with Bordeaux.
It means the French champions have just three recognised defenders to call upon at the present time and l'OL's coach regrets not having adding further players to his squad during last month's transfer window.
"I don't like the word 'curse' but it is an incredible series," said Houllier. "I regret now not having hired a second additional defender during the window."
Injuries have forced Lyon to adopt Florent Malouda as a makeshift left back but so impressed has Houllier been by the French international's performances that the former Liverpool manager believes Malouda is a shoo-in for Raymond Domenech's World Cup squad.
"He gets by fairly well," added Houllier. "He is sure to go to the World Cup when you can play with so much success in different positions."
A double boost for Houllier, however, is the imminent return to training of Jeremy Berthod and Eric Abidal.
Both have been laid low in recent weeks following thigh and foot injuries respectively.
