The news fell like a stab yesterday. Two short sentences to announce the prolonged absence of Nuno Mendes. “After new medical examinations and a new in-depth study of Nuno Mendes’ situation, the Paris Saint-Germain medical department has made the decision to carry out surgery this Friday in Finland. The player’s unavailability period is estimated at four months. A terrible blow for PSG and the Portuguese. The latter will return in 2024.
With hindsight, we understand better why the Parisian management preferred to keep Lavyin Kurzawa in their workforce. The latter has not played in favor of the club since August 1, 2021, 9 short minutes during the Champions Trophies. Last year, the left-hander was loaned to Fulham where a serious injury (rupture of the lateral ligament in his knee) prevented him from playing more than 6 matches. With only 7 appearances over the last 24 months, the former Monegasque is short of competition but he is the only specialist in the position in Paris.
Nuno Mendes forced to play injured?
Between Nuno Mendes’ withdrawal and the uncertainties around Lucas Hernandez’s knee (which seems to be coming back all the same), Kurzawa will have his chance this season. In addition to that, and while Presnel Kimpembe is on the comeback, and can also help out on the left, Achraf Hakimi will participate in the African Cup of Nations from January. Luis Enrique will have to rack his brains to find the most suitable solutions for each situation. What is also worrying is that Nuno Mendes had already suffered an injury in the spring in the same place.
In June, he then suffered a ruptured ishio tendon. The Team explains in today’s edition that the Portuguese had felt discomfort last week, while he was carrying out part of the sessions with the group. The decision is made, it is necessary to operate but the discomfort is palpable. No one wants to provide details in this matter but the former Sporting player has already complained to those close to him that he was forced to play last season, despite persistent pain. As for Nordi Mukiele in February against OM. There is a feeling of uneasiness.
