Nigeria’s Tochukwu Nnadi rejects surgery despite suspected serious ACL injury at Marseille

Nigeria midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi has opted against surgery despite suffering what is suspected to be a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury while playing for Olympique de Marseille.

The 22-year-old was forced off during Marseille’s defeat by AS Monaco last Sunday after coming on as a half-time substitute, with initial fears pointing towards a potentially serious knee injury.

Nnadi’s decision has added to Marseille’s concerns, with coach Bruno Genesio already facing a shortage of options in midfield following another injury suffered during the Monaco match.

Nnadi chooses non-surgical recovery

According to Nnadi’s agent, several medical consultants recommended immediate surgery following the injury.

However, the Nigerian has chosen against undergoing an operation in the hope of returning to action more quickly.

Speaking to La Provence, his agent acknowledged the risks surrounding the decision.

“We are aware of the risks. We know that he could feel pain. We know that it won’t be easy, but it is Nnadi’s decision,”

The agent added that the midfielder felt he “could not abandon OM at such a time”.

The full extent of Nnadi’s injury has not yet been officially confirmed, although reports suggest that an ACL injury is suspected.

Marseille midfield options reduced

Nnadi was not the only Marseille player to suffer an injury during the defeat to Monaco.

Central African Republic international Geoffrey Kondogbia also sustained a muscular problem and will miss this weekend’s match against Paris FC, according to Genesio.

The double setback has left the Marseille coach short of midfield options as the club looks to respond to its defeat.

Speaking on Friday, Genesio revealed that he had experimented with full-back Ulisses Garcia in midfield as he searches for alternative solutions.

Difficult period for Nigerian midfielder

For Nnadi, the injury comes at a difficult stage of his career and represents a major setback for one of Nigeria’s emerging talents in European football.

His decision to pursue a non-surgical recovery will be closely monitored, particularly given the suspected seriousness of the injury and the risks acknowledged by his own representatives.

Marseille will meanwhile hope their Nigerian midfielder can recover successfully as they navigate a growing injury problem in one of the most demanding areas of the squad.