Owen Farrell injured ahead of Lions squad announcement as Lyon set up Bath final clash

Owen Farrell of Racing throws a pass cross-field. Picture: Manuel Blondeau/Inpho

Owen Farrell's hopes of being selected for the British and Irish Lions squad to tour Australia were dealt a blow after he suffered a head injury during Racing 92's 29-15 Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to Lyon.

Farrell, selected at inside-centre for the first time this season instead of his usual fly-half position, was forced off after just 19 minutes with the score at 0-0.

The 33-year-old England fly-half took a hit to the head from Mickael Guillard's hip as he attempted to tackle his opponent.

Farrell is a three-time Lions tourist and was in contention for a place in father Andy's squad for this summer even though his debut season at Racing 92 has been affected by a groin injury.

A 37-man Lions squad will be named on Thursday.

Following Farrell's departure, Leo Berdeu kicked the first of five penalties to open the scoring for hosts Lyon before Vincent Rattez registered their first try.

Diego Escobar and Kleo Labarbe both touched down for Racing either side of Beka Saghinadze crossing for Lyon's second try, but it was Berdeu's kicking which made the difference and set up a Challenge Cup final clash against Bath at the Principality Stadium on May 23.