Lyon have been forced to deny "despicable" rumours that Mathieu Valbuena has died.

The 32-year-old was not included in the club's squad for last weekend's 2-1 win over Toulouse after suffering a dislocated shoulder a week earlier.

Despite the recent injury woes, rumours circulated on social media that the attacking midfielder had passed away.

Lyon have now taken to Twitter to reassure fans that Valbuena is alive and well and express their shock at the speculation.

"Mathieu Valbuena is happily alive and well contrary to what those despicable individuals are spreading on Twitter," the club tweeted. "Lyon are horrified at such disgraceful and inhuman acts," they continued.

The France international signed for Lyon from Dynamo Moscow in 2015.