Le Mans FC forward Adil Bourabaa has undergone ankle surgery and will be out for several months. The 21-year-old Algerian international suffered a syndesmosis injury on international duty, confirming the worst fears of head coach Patrick Videira. His sidelining is a major blow for a side that has conceded twelve goals while scoring ten this season.
Videira had voiced concern ahead of the match against Toulouse, which ended in a 0-3 defeat. He first replied that he was not a doctor, before acknowledging that a lengthy absence was possible. Medical assessments ultimately led to the decision to operate, deemed necessary for a full recovery. The coach explained it was hard because it was the player's first major injury.
This lengthy layoff deprives Le Mans of one of their most promising attacking assets at the start of the season. The club, currently 14th in the table with six points from six games having recorded one win, three draws and two losses, must regroup quickly. The 0-3 loss to Toulouse on Saturday 16 October marks a third consecutive defeat for a side whose recent form has been difficult, with just one win and one draw from their last five outings. This poor run, which also includes defeats to Paris Saint Germain (3-1) and Guingamp (2-1), leaves the team eight points behind leaders Monaco.
The priority is now the rehabilitation of Adil Bourabaa, whose return is not expected for a long time. The club's attacking output will rely more heavily on current top scorer Louis Mafouta, who has four goals in six appearances. The upcoming fixtures schedule will be key to coping with this significant blow.
Read the full report at L'Equipe Football
