NafisaLeeds United have been handed another unwanted international-break setback after one of their attacking midfielders was forced off injured while representing France Under-21s.
The latest blow comes during what has already been a difficult window for Les Bleuets, with several players picking up injuries while away on international duty.
For Leeds, the concern will be particularly significant given the player’s attacking role and his involvement with France’s youth setup. Further medical tests will now be required before the full extent of the problem can be established.
The injury occurred during France Under-21s’ 3-2 victory over Luxembourg on Saturday night, with the Leeds player suffering an impact that left him requiring treatment.
He initially recovered sufficiently to continue, but the problem ultimately forced him out of the contest in the 37th minute.
The player in question was Jean-Mattéo Bahoya, with the 21-year-old attacking midfielder subsequently replaced by Tottenham Hotspur forward Mathys Tel.
Another France U21 injury setback
Bahoya’s injury adds to an increasingly costly international window for France Under-21 manager Gérald Baticle.
Ethan Mbappé and Senny Mayulu had already sustained injuries during the victory over Estonia at the end of last month, with both players expected to spend several weeks on the sidelines.
France Under-21s also suffered another setback before the Luxembourg fixture when goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen picked up a hamstring injury during Thursday’s training session.
That leaves Bahoya as the latest player to suffer an injury during the current international period.
For Leeds, however, the immediate focus will be on finding out how serious the ankle problem is and whether it will affect his availability when domestic football resumes.
Baticle was unable to provide a definitive diagnosis immediately after Saturday’s match.
Speaking post-match, the France Under-21 boss confirmed that Bahoya’s ankle was the area affected but stressed that further examinations would be needed before a clearer assessment could be made.
That means Leeds will have to wait for the results of those tests before knowing whether the midfielder faces any significant period on the sidelines.
Leeds await further tests
The timing will naturally be a concern for Leeds, who will want their players returning from international duty without fresh fitness problems.
Bahoya had been part of France’s Under-21 squad for the latest fixtures, but his evening against Luxembourg ended prematurely after the impact that affected his ankle.
The fact that he was initially able to recover and continue could offer some encouragement, although his eventual withdrawal demonstrates that the problem was significant enough to prevent him from completing the match.
Nothing has yet been confirmed regarding the length of his absence.
For now, the only clear information is that the ankle was affected and that further tests are required.
Leeds will therefore be waiting on the medical assessment before determining whether Bahoya can return to club action immediately or whether he will join the growing list of players requiring treatment after the international break.
With Mbappé, Mayulu and Jaouen already affected, France Under-21s have endured a particularly frustrating period for player fitness.
Bahoya’s setback has now added another name to that list, with Leeds hoping that the additional examinations provide more positive news than the initial injury scare suggested.
Nafisa
