Nice to Face Caen Without Injured Mahamane Traoré
OGC Nice will welcome early-season surprise package Caen to the Allianz Riviera this Saturday for Matchday 3 of Ligue 1, but will have to do so without Mahamane Traoré. The Malian international midfielder has suffered a hamstring injury, ruling him out for several weeks.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, head coach Claude Puel confirmed the setback: “Last week, we lost Mahamane Traoré again, who could have been an interesting option out wide. He felt a strain in his hamstring and will be out for a few weeks.”
The injury is particularly frustrating for Traoré, who was just returning to the squad after more than a year away from Ligue 1 action. His long-awaited comeback has now been abruptly stalled once again.
Nice will also be aiming to bounce back from a frustrating result against Troyes in their last outing. Despite leading 3-1, the Aiglons were held to a 3-3 draw after going down to ten men in the second half. It was a bitter pill to swallow for a side hoping to make a strong early-season impression.
Still, the home side remains a tough opponent at the Allianz Riviera, and they will be counting on the excellent form of Alassane Pléa, who has emerged as a key attacking threat in the opening matches of the campaign.
While the absence of Traoré limits Claude Puel’s midfield options, Nice will be eager to assert themselves and secure a positive result against a Caen side that has surprised many with their strong start to the season.
