The Brazil international is currently sidelined with a broken foot he suffered while on international duty during the recent Copa America.

He is scheduled to return to first-team action by the start of September, but he insists clear-the-air talks will have to be held with club officials if he is to pledge his future to Les Gones.

"I must see the president," Fred said.

"We have to sort out the little problems which are dragging on from last season.

"I hope that it will be done as quickly as possible, so I can stay on at Lyon without any concerns.

"The problem is between me and the club. I don't want to talk about it in the press. It is personal.

"I hope to stay at Lyon. I like it here. But things can't carry on like last season. It isn't possible."

Fred on Wednesday was back in Lyon - for Les Gones' official squad photograph - for the first time since the end of May, when he left for Brazil citing an ankle injury.

He claimed he did not come back to France earlier because "it was important for me to be surrounded by my family and my friends at this difficult time".

Milan Baros and Karim Benzema will shoulder responsibilities up front for the French champions until the Brazilian makes his return from injury.