Pre-season preparations have taken a painful turn for Stade Rennais captain Valentin Rongier. The midfielder suffered a fractured nose during training on Tuesday and underwent surgery on Wednesday, according to an official statement from the club.
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Subscribe Sekarang →"Our captain remains with the squad until the end of the training camp in Dinard and begins a period of recovery," Rennes announced. The French club has not specified a timeline for his return.
According to reports from L'Équipe, a fractured nose can keep a player sidelined for anywhere between one to three months. The 31-year-old midfielder may be required to wear a protective face mask upon returning to action.
Based on the match schedule, Rennes face a tough season opener against Ligue 1 champions PSG at the Parc des Princes on August 23. Rongier remains a key figure for the squad after guiding Rennes to a sixth-place finish last term and securing UEFA Europa League qualification.
Rongier joined Rennes last summer following a tumultuous exit from OM after six seasons. Despite initial friction with supporters due to his history with rivals FC Nantes, the midfielder quickly established himself as an indispensable leader in the squad.