Lyon's Yoann Gourcuff has recovered in time to be included in the 18-man squad set to face Nice in Saturday's Ligue 1 clash, the club announced on Friday.

Coach Hubert Fournier explained the 28-year old midfielder "had worked hard in the past week".

"We can be optimistic about his return to the pitch", Fournier added before explaining a last-minute test Friday morning provided a positive reaction.

The France playmaker had been ruled out of the Ligue 1 leaders' goalless draw with Marseille last week due to a thigh injury.

The former French player of the year, who has been plagued by a series of injuries throughout his career, came off during his side's 5-1 victory over Montpellier two weeks ago.

Lyon are two points clear of defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, who host Lorient on Friday, while Marseille, who head to Lens on Sunday, remain four points adrift of the pacesetters.