Brest’s Pierre Lees-Melou set for three-month absence | OneFootball

Stade Brestois’ historic season ended on a high. Their victory over Toulouse FC, coupled with Lille OSC’s draw against OGC Nice, saw them leapfrog LOSC into third place in Ligue 1 and thus secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League group stages. Les Dogues must now go through the playoffs.

However, it wasn’t all good news for Brest. Since the beginning of the month, their star performer, Pierre Lees-Melou (30), has been absent. As manager Eric Roy revealed, the former Norwich City midfielder was to undergo surgery on a fractured fibula, which would see him ruled out until the end of the season. It had been hoped, however, that he would be fit for the return to pre-season, which will take place around the end of June/ start of July.

Lees-Melou to remain at Brest?

However, those hopes have been dashed. Speaking in the wake of Brest’s win over Toulouse, Roy announced a more lengthy absence. “We have had news from the surgeon, who has applied a patch and also gave him a [skin] graft. He has spoken about a three-month absence to allow the graft to solidify. That is what he has advised. We were a bit distraught because we didn’t think it would be so long. If he has a good recovery, we hope to reduce that time a bit,” said Roy.

A summer departure had been touted for Lees-Melou, despite the Champions League qualification. This injury may increase his chances of remaining with Les Ty-Zéfs this summer. “We’re hoping that he stays with us. That will give him the chance to be able to come back,” added Roy.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle