French football clubs face injury crisis after international break

The conclusion of the international break has resulted in significant injury setbacks for several French football clubs.

FC Metz will be without midfielder Nampalys Mendy for several months following successful surgery for a ruptured left quadriceps tendon. The 34-year-old Senegalese international has been a key rotation player for the Ligue 2 side this season.

RC Lens faces a depleted squad, most notably losing attacker Abdallah Sima until late November due to a thigh injury sustained during international duty with Senegal. The club is also managing absences from Maïk Nawrocki, Samson Baidoo, and potentially Amadou Haïdara.

Olympique Lyonnais is also dealing with defensive shortages. Manager Paulo Fonseca has called up Noham Kamara to bolster a backline missing Moussa Niakhaté, Mohamed Ouedraogo, and Nicolás Tagliafico. Additionally, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's absence is noted for Marseille's upcoming fixtures.

In contrast, AS Saint-Etienne has seen a boost in squad depth with the return of six international players, including Augustine Boakye and Ben Old, ahead of their match against Rodez AF.