Moïse Bombito set for surgery as Nice defensive options come under pressure

OGC Nice will be without Moïse Bombito for a significant period after the Canada defender was ruled out for surgery on his tibia, adding to the club’s growing injury problems.

Bombito was expected to become an important part of Nice’s defence this season after establishing himself as a valuable player for Canada at the last World Cup. However, his latest injury setback means the French club will now have to plan without him.

The defender is set to undergo surgery to address pain caused by an injury to his tibia. According to Nice Matin, Bombito suffered a fracture in the same area last season and will now require another operation.

Nice had expected the 25-year-old to return in September and feature in Ligue 1 after coming back from his holiday and international commitments.

The club have yet to confirm how long Bombito will be unavailable following the operation. However, the nature of the injury raises the possibility that Nice could once again be without him for a substantial part of the season.

Bombito’s absence represents another setback for a Nice side already dealing with an important injury problem.

Experienced midfielder Laurent Abergel is also sidelined after suffering a cruciate ligament injury, leaving the club without another key member of the squad.

The latest development is likely to increase attention on Nice’s defensive depth as the season progresses.

Nice facing defensive shortage

Nice’s defensive options were already an issue before Bombito’s latest setback.

Antoine Mendy and Youssouf Ndayishimiye both featured in Nice’s opening Ligue 1 match, but competition for places in the position remains limited.

Kojo Peprah Oppong and Mohamed Abdelmonem are the other recognised specialists available in that area, meaning Bombito’s absence could leave the club with fewer natural options in defence.

Nice have not yet announced how long the Canadian will be out, but the situation could force the club to consider whether reinforcements are required.

The possibility of recruiting another defender could become an important consideration if Bombito’s recovery is expected to keep him away from the team for a lengthy period.

For now, Nice will have to cope without a player they had expected to form a key part of their defensive plans this season.

Bombito’s planned return in September has now been disrupted by the need for surgery, while the club continue to assess the impact of his absence on their squad.

With Abergel already unavailable and Bombito facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines, Nice have been dealt two significant setbacks at an early stage of the campaign.