Florent Malouda has been omitted from Chelsea's 22-man Champions League squad.
The 32-year-old's absence will only heighten speculation that the French midfielder could be on the way out of Stamford Bridge.
Earlier on Tuesday, Malouda was linked with a move to Lyon and the French club could now be encouraged to press forward with their interest in the player.
Malouda has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea after the club signed Eden Hazard, Marko Marin, Oscar and Victor Moses.