Nice’s Abdelmonem. Photo: Nice offical website
Puel said Abdelmonem would be unavailable for the weekend fixture, dealing a blow to Nice ahead of a key encounter against one of the league’s top sides.
“Abdelmonem will not be available for Saturday’s game against Lens,” Puel told ICI Azur.
The Egyptian international’s absence adds to an already frustrating campaign, with the defender yet to make a competitive appearance this season. He had previously been sidelined for an extended period recovering from a knee injury that delayed his integration into the squad.
Nice, currently 15th in the Ligue 1 standings with 30 points, are hovering just above the relegation zone and are under pressure to secure positive results in the closing weeks of the season.
The timing of Abdelmonem’s setback comes as the club prepare to host a strong Lens side sitting second on 63 points and firmly in contention for European qualification.
At international level, Abdelmonem has also seen limited action this year. He made a brief return during Egypt’s March international break, featuring for four minutes as a late substitute against Saudi Arabia, before remaining an unused substitute in the subsequent friendly against Spain.
The latest injury setback could also affect his chances of selection for Egypt’s upcoming June international fixtures, with national team staff closely monitoring his recovery and match fitness.
Abdelmonem had been targeting a return for this fixture, but the hamstring problem has postponed his comeback once again, leaving Nice short of defensive options against one of the division’s most in-form teams.
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