Brazilian striker Giovane Elber’s future at Lyon is in jeoopardy after he walked out on the French champions.

Elber, 32, underwent surgery on an ankle injury without consulting the club’s medical team.

Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas said: “His status as the highest-paid player at the club implies responsibilities which have not been respected.”

The French champions do not expect Elber to return to the club this month and Lyon havesigned his compatriot Nilmar as cover up front.

“Elber used the press to make critical and probably libellous comments on Lyons medical services,” added Aulas.

“But that’s not to say there’s been a split with Elber.”

The Brazilian striker revealed in December that he had held talks with Borussia Monchengladbach about a return to the Bundesliga.

Lyon joined Lyon from Bayern Munich last season.