Lyon shorn of Schelin for Umeå return

Ten days after 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam booked their place in the UEFA Women's Champions League final in Getafe on 20 May they will discover their opponents when Olympique Lyonnais take a 3-2 lead to Umeå IK.

The original conclusion to this semi-final was postponed when Lyon – who have exited in the last four of both their previous European entries, the first against Umeå in 2007/08 – were unable to fly to northern Sweden due to the volcanic ash cloud over Europe. "That was great for us," Umeå coach Joakim Blomqvist told UEFA.com. "We're at the start of our season and we need some time and matches to reach our best, while Lyon have played all winter."

Twice European champions Umeå, who reached the former UEFA Women's Cup final a record five times, got the chance to further fine-tune their game when they hosted reigning Swedish titleholders Linköpings FC on Sunday, drawing their Damallsvenskan fixture 1-1. "A tough match," said Blomqvist. "Linköping are a good team, yet we took over the match completely in the second half. And we really got our attacking game to work."

While the past week may have made Umeå's attack stronger, it has left the French champions weakened in the same area. Lyon's prolific Sweden striker Lotta Schelin suffered an ankle sprain in training when her side would otherwise have been in Umea. "She will be in plaster for a month," club doctor Jean-Jacques Amprino explained. Blomqvist added: "Of course it's a shame for Lotta and for Lyon. She's their best striker. Lotta's absence won't affect our tactics, but should make it a little easier for us."

However, while Lyon will be without Schelin and exited the French Cup semi-finals on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain FC on Sunday, they could have defender Laura Georges available following dental surgery. However, Shirley Cruz Traña, Amandine Henry and Wendie Renard are all one booking from missing a potential final.

After the weekend loss in Paris, OL president Jean-Michel Aulas stood by the dressing room to boost the team's morale "after a tough defeat" and is delighted by their performance in matching the men's UEFA Champions League exploits.

"It's not something that has had a high profile, but OL also have their women's team in last the four which is a great achievement for me," Aulas said. "I believe in women's football as some have believed in women's tennis in the past. With a less powerful game, the technique emerges and it's a great show."