FC Nantes could be without their most influential player, Moses Simon, for this weekend’s crucial Ligue 1 fixture against Lille over injury concern for the Super Eagles star.

The Nigerian international is struggling with a lingering injury setback, raising fresh worries for both his club and Nigeria’s new head coach, Eric Chelle, Footballrover reports.

With Lille chasing a Champions League spot and Nantes battling relegation, Simon’s absence could have significant consequences.

Super Eagles Star in fitness race for Lille clash

Simon, who has contributed 13 goal involvements this season, is in a race against time to regain fitness before Saturday’s encounter at Stade de la Beaujoire.

The Nigerian winger played only 20 minutes in last week’s 1-0 defeat to Strasbourg, with Nantes carefully managing his condition.

The 29-year-old has been struggling since undergoing surgery in December to remove screws from his fibula, which he fractured last March.

Despite returning to action, he continues to experience discomfort, forcing him to miss several training sessions this week.

Nantes boss Antoine Kombouaré confirmed Simon’s situation remains uncertain.

“He hasn’t trained all week. He stayed in the gym on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday but completed today’s session. His ankle is still hurting. There’s obviously some concern. We’re managing it, but for him, it’s complicated,” Kombouaré told Ouest-France.

Injury concern adds to Super Eagles’ woes

Simon’s injury concern could be a major headache for Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle, who is already dealing with squad setbacks ahead of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Chelle has already lost Nathan Tella to injury, replacing him with defender Jordan Torunarigha.

If Simon is ruled out, it would leave Nigeria with just two natural wingers—Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze—forcing the coach to consider emergency options.

Fulham’s Alex Iwobi can fill in on the flanks, but if reinforcements are needed, Ahmed Musa and Chidera Ejuke are on standby for a late call-up.

Chelle will be hoping the Super Eagles star can feature against Lille without aggravating his condition.

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Last Updated on March 13, 2025 4:15 pm by Sir Kris