Nabil Bentaleb out for Lille vs Nice after minor surgery to treat infection | OneFootball

Lille announced on Friday that Nabil Bentaleb will miss the home match against Nice on Saturday at 21:05 after a minor surgical procedure to treat an infection. It is a setback for Bruno Genesio in the push for a top-three finish.

The Algerian international will not be available for a fixture that matters in the race for Europe. The club did not say whether this was linked to his heart issue, which means he plays with a defibrillator, the only one in France, and the subject was avoided.

Bruno Genesio said the priority is to support Bentaleb and stand by him. He felt the midfielder had reached an exceptional level, even if he had not known him long as his coach, which makes the timing harder.

He said it is a major frustration to be halted in full flow and said the staff will do everything to help him overcome the setback. He added that Bentaleb is well supported by his family and close friends.

He said the squad are sad and disappointed for him, but first and foremost for the player, and he hopes matters settle very quickly. No return date has been announced.

Source: L'Équipe