The first call-up for Algeria should have been a landmark night for Adil Bourabaa. Instead, Le Mans will head to Paris without their most productive midfielder, with an ankle injury now expected to keep him out for at least a month.
Bourabaa faces extended spell out
- Bourabaa was injured during his first international appearance for Algeria, a 2-1 win over Niger.
- Initial checks identified damage to the syndesmosis, the fibrous joint connecting bones around the ankle.
- Further medical examinations are scheduled for next week, but Le Mans coach Patrick Videira said the early outlook was worrying.
- The 21-year-old must wear a protective boot for a minimum of four weeks, with Videira warning that his return could take considerably longer.
“It may take time,” Videira said before Le Mans’ trip to Paris. “He will need to be immobilised in a boot for at least four weeks. We may not see him back on the pitch for some time.”
A major absence for Le Mans
The Algerian central midfielder has been central to Le Mans’ start since their promotion to the top flight. He has scored three goals and supplied two assists, making him the club’s leading contributor in front of goal.
Bourabaa had started every league match since the season resumed, but his absence had already been expected for Saturday’s meeting with Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45.
For Videira, the immediate challenge is to cover the loss of a player who had become a constant presence in his midfield. The larger concern is that an injury suffered on an important international debut may now interrupt Bourabaa’s breakthrough campaign for far longer than first feared.
