Mohamed Abdelmonem makes first Nice start since April 2025

Mohamed Abdelmonem has been named in the Nice starting XI for the first time since April 2025, completing a long-awaited return to a regular role after recovering from a cruciate ligament injury.

Nice are away to Paris FC in the second round of Ligue 1, with Abdelmonem selected in central defence for the match.

The Egypt international last started for Nice before suffering his injury against Paris Saint-Germain in late April 2025. His inclusion in the team marks his first starting appearance for the club since that game.

Nice manager Franck Haise has chosen Yevann Diouf in goal, with a back four of Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Junior Mandanda and Jonathan Clauss.

Jibril Coulibaly, Axel Witsel and Melvin Bard make up the midfield, while Gauthier Hein, Nathan Ngoumou and Sofiane Diop lead the attack.

Abdelmonem was named among the substitutes for Nice’s opening Ligue 1 fixture against Lorient. He was introduced in the 88th minute as he continued his gradual return to competitive football.

The defender had been sidelined since sustaining a cruciate ligament tear against Paris Saint-Germain during the season before last. His absence from Nice’s team lasted 484 days from his previous appearance for the club.

Abdelmonem joined Nice after establishing himself with Egyptian club Al Ahly and has since remained an important player for the Egypt national team. He was also part of Egypt’s squad at the 2026 World Cup.

His return to the starting line-up provides a significant boost for Nice as they face Paris FC in their second league match of the campaign. The match is the latest stage in the defender’s comeback after a serious knee injury that kept him out for more than a year.

The selection means Abdelmonem is once again being trusted from the beginning of a Ligue 1 fixture, rather than being limited to a brief substitute appearance. His 88th-minute outing against Lorient was his first competitive action for Nice after the injury, while this match represents his first start since the problem occurred.

Nice will hope his return can strengthen their defence during the early weeks of the season. Abdelmonem’s starting place comes with Ndayishimiye alongside him at the back, while Clauss and Mandanda complete the defensive line against Paris FC.