OGC Nice faces a significant setback just before their UEFA Champions League qualifier against SL Benfica on Wednesday. The club`s sporting director, Florian Maurice, confirmed on Monday that striker Evann Guessand would be unavailable for the crucial match due to a knee injury.
Maurice, who made the announcement during the presentation of new signing Kojo Oppong, specified that Guessand is suffering from “knee pain.” This condition will prevent him from participating in the upcoming fixture against Benfica. Despite the expectation that the Nice academy product might depart before the transfer window closes, Maurice noted that the striker would still be considered for future matches if he regains fitness.
Earlier comments from manager Franck Haise indicated that Guessand was “90%” certain to leave Les Aiglons this summer. While Nice had previously accepted a €35 million offer from Neom SC, that bid was subsequently rescinded after the player declined the move. Crystal Palace has also submitted an offer, but it reportedly falls far short of Nice`s €30 million valuation for the player.