OGC Nice suffer double injury blow ahead of Twente tie

OGC Nice’s injury crisis had looked to be abating. Many of the players that have missed matches since the start of the season have been gradually returning. Heading into Thursday night’s UEFA Europa League encounter against FC Twente, only Terem Moffi, Hicham Boudaoui, and Morgan Sanson were set to be absent.

However, Nice announced their squad on Thursday morning with two unexpected absentees: Antoine Mendy and Mohamed Abdelmonem. The pair had been expected to be included; the latter had been expected to start against the Eredivisie side.

RMC Sport journalist Maxime Tilliette reports that Abdelmonem is suffering from discomfort in his upper calf, whilst Mendy has suffered an ankle injury. The two injuries were suffered in training yesterday and both players are now undergoing medical tests.

Regardless, both are out for Nice against Twente this evening, which will force a re-think at the back. Youssouf Ndayishimiye dropping back to deputies is one option for Franck Haise. That would likely see Tanguy Ndombélé and Issiaga Camara start in midfield. Alternatively, Melvin Bard could deputies at left-centre-back, seeing Ali Abdi come in at wing-back.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle