Nice lose Egypt star Abdelmonem for French Cup semifinal against Strasbourg

Egyptian defender Mohamed Abdelmonem has suffered another setback in his return to full fitness after being left out of OGC Nice’s squad for their crucial French Cup semifinal clash against Strasbourg.

Nice are set to face Strasbourg in a high-stakes semifinal encounter on Wednesday evening, with victory crucial to securing a place in the final.

But Nice will have to battle for victory without the Egyptian forward, who has been forced to watch from the sidelines with another setback. The forward has missed back-to-back matchday squads, including the recent Ligue 1 fixture against Lille.

Ahead of the match, Nice coach Claude Puel disclosed the Egyptian international remains unavailable due to lingering effects of a minor knee issue, which has delayed his reintegration into matchday plans.

The latest explanation follows earlier clarification from the club that Abdel Monem’s absence from the Lille match was initially linked to minor muscular discomfort. However, further medical assessment has since led to a more cautious approach, with the technical staff opting to prioritize full recovery over a rushed return.

Abdel Monem’s situation is being handled carefully by Nice, especially given his long and difficult recovery journey. The defender previously suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury roughly a year ago, a setback that sidelined him for an extended period and required a structured rehabilitation program before his return to full training.

After months of recovery, the Egyptian center-back recently rejoined the squad and was even included in the matchday lineup against Le Havre, signaling positive progress in his comeback. However, the latest setback has temporarily halted his momentum and raised questions about the timing of his full return to consistent competitive action.

Medical staff at Nice are reportedly taking a conservative approach, ensuring that Abdel Monem regains full match fitness without risking recurrence of injury. The club remains optimistic about his long-term recovery, but short-term involvement is being carefully managed to avoid further complications.

For Nice, the defender’s absence in such an important cup fixture is a notable blow, as his physical presence and defensive awareness have been seen as valuable assets when fully fit. However, the coaching staff remains committed to protecting his long-term availability rather than rushing him back into a demanding semifinal environment.

As Nice continue their push in both domestic league and cup competitions, Abdel Monem’s return timeline will remain closely monitored. For now, patience appears to be the guiding principle as the Egyptian defender works toward a full and sustainable comeback at the French club.