André out for Nantes
Tuesday, December 11, 2001
Article summary
FC Nantes Atlantique striker Pierre-Yves André has been ruled out for four weeks after suffering a knee injury.
Article body
FC Nantes Atlantique’s hopes of lifting themselves from the bottom of the French first division have been hit by an injury to striker Pierre-Yves André.
Bottom of table
Despite making it through to the second group stage of the UEFA Champions League, Nantes have had a disappointing time in Le Championnat this season. They are bottom with just 13 points from 17 matches.
Knee injury
André, who scored two goals in the Champions League first group stage, suffered a knee injury during the 2-1 home defeat by Montpellier Hérault SC last Saturday. A subsequent radiological examination has ruled him out of action for at least four weeks.
Tough test
The striker is expected to miss the next four league matches, but coach Raynald Denoueix has been boosted by the return to fitness of Victor Bonilla and Viorel Moldovan. Nantes have a tough prospect for their next league encounter as they travel to leaders RC Lens on 19 December.
Two defeats
Nantes, who have lost their first two second group stage matches against Boavista FC and holders FC Bayern München, expect André to be fit for the restart of the Champions League after the winter break. Their next European encounter is on 20 February when they host Manchester United FC.
