Antoine Mendy set to miss several months after left-knee cruciate ligament injury

Nice have confirmed that Senegal international Antoine Mendy has suffered a torn cruciate ligament in his left knee, ruling the defender out for several months and adding to the disappointment of their 1-1 draw with Le Mans.

Medical tests carried out on Sunday established the extent of the injury Mendy sustained during the match. The defender landed awkwardly on his left knee, immediately raising concerns among Nice’s medical staff about the seriousness of the problem.

Mendy had come on as a substitute with about 15 minutes remaining at the Allianz Riviera. However, he was unable to finish the match and left the stadium showing clear signs of intense pain in the affected knee.

The diagnosis represents a significant setback for both the player and Nice. The club will now have to manage the loss of one of its defenders for a prolonged period, while Mendy begins the treatment and rehabilitation process required for a cruciate ligament injury.

Nice’s draw with Le Mans therefore carried a heavier cost than the loss of two points. The result had already prevented the club from taking maximum reward from the match, but the confirmed injury to Mendy has created a further concern for the team.

The defender is expected to be absent for several months, although the precise length of his recovery has not yet been established. That timeframe will depend on the course of his treatment and how he responds during rehabilitation.

Further clarity over Mendy’s return is expected once his recovery programme has been assessed in greater detail. For now, Nice must prepare to continue without the Senegal international after he was forced out of the match at the Allianz Riviera.