OGC Nice faced significant injury challenges throughout the previous season. At one point, a full starting lineup was unavailable, with key players such as Terem Moffi and Morgan Sanson missing the majority of the campaign. The season concluded on a somber note, as Mohamed Abdelmonem and Youssouf Ndayishimiye both sustained ACL injuries in quick succession. They are also expected to miss a substantial portion of the upcoming season.
The new season for Nice officially commenced with a UEFA Champions League qualifier against SL Benfica on Wednesday evening. Even before this crucial match, Nice was already missing several players due to various knocks, including Moïse Bombito, Mohamed-Ali Cho, Tanguy Ndombélé, Ali Abdi, and Sofiane Diop. Despite their existing injuries, Sofiane Diop made a late appearance in the game, which ultimately saw the Ligue 1 team lose 2-0. This result leaves them with a considerable deficit to overcome in the second leg, scheduled for next Tuesday.
Compounding their problems, Nice is likely to approach the upcoming second leg with two additional players sidelined. Morgan Sanson was forced off in the 27th minute, clutching his hamstring, necessitating an immediate substitution. Coach Franck Haise confirmed post-match, “Obviously, I don`t know the seriousness or grade, but it`s a proper injury.”
Furthermore, captain Dante also had to be withdrawn at half-time. Haise stated that Dante was experiencing pain in his left knee following an awkward movement late in the first half. Nice`s season has barely begun, yet their persistent injury woes appear to be continuing into the new campaign, posing an immediate challenge for the team.