Cris boost for Lyon ahead of United clash

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The central defender had been sidelined for almost seven months after rupturing knee ligaments against Toulouse in the second game of the Ligue 1 season, but played 90 minutes on Saturday as the champions defeated Lille 1-0.

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Captain's return: Lyon's Cris, right, challenges Lille's Patrick Kluivert for the ball

Cris told club website www.olweb.fr: "I felt fine. I'm happy to have finally gotten back out onto the field.

"Before the game, I concentrated a lot mentally. After six months out, it was difficult to find my rhythm."

Lyon travel to Old Trafford for the return leg of their last-16 clash with everything still to play for following the 1-1 draw in the first leg at Stade Gerland, and Cris has made clear his availability to coach Alain Perrin.

"I'm ready for the match against Manchester. I managed 90 minutes [on Saturday] and everything was fine," said Cris.

"It's up to the coach now, but whoever he puts out, it will be the right choice."

Assistant coach Christophe Galtier said the Brazilian's return had come as a huge boost but was guarded on his chances of facing United, with Jean-Alain Boumsong eyeing a recall after being dropped in favour of Cris for the Lille match.

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Ronaldo and Rooney were only used as substitutes against Fulham

"He played well," said Galtier. "Apart from his performance, you have to look at everything else he brings to the squad: his discipline, his influence in the dressing room. Now we have to see how he recuperates from this game, in order to be ready for a game on Tuesday that will be at a different level physically.

"Everyone was waiting or Cris to come back, but we all know that you do not get back to your best form after one game. We have not yet decided on the starting line-up for the game against Manchester."