Hicham Boudaoui
NCEWon't play second leg, WC focus
Boudaoui (concussion) was forced off in the 10th minute of Tuesday's relegation playoff first leg at Saint-Etienne after a violent blow to the face and will miss Friday's crucial second leg after concussion protocol requirements make it impossible for him to be cleared in time, according to Flavien Tresarrieu of L'Equipe.
Analysis: Boudaoui needs to undergo examinations 72 hours after the trauma he sustained, which falls too close to Friday's kickoff to allow him any chance of featuring in what is the most important match of Nice's season. Coach Claude Puel will be forced to reshuffle his midfield for the decisive second leg without one of his most important players, with Charles Vanhoutte or Salis Abdul Samed among the options available to cover in his absence. Boudaoui ends the regular season with one goal and two assists across 25 Ligue 1 appearances, and his World Cup preparations with Algeria will also be monitored closely given the nature of the head injury as he is expected to play a decent role, with Fares Chaibi available to cover if needed.
Leaves with issue Tuesday
Boudaoui suffered an injury after a violent collision during Tuesday's relegation playoffs matchup versus Saint-Etienne.
Analysis: Boudaoui may be dealing with an important blow given that he was withdrawn after only 11 minutes of Tuesday's clash. However, the extent of his potential absence is unknown. This problem would also be a blow for Algeria ahead of the World Cup, with the midfielder expected to feature in the international competition. He had previously scored one goal and two assists over 25 games played in the Ligue 1 season. Charles Vanhoutte and Fares Chaibi could see increased action in his place for the club and national team, respectively.
Available for season finale
Boudaoui (muscular) has been cleared and is available for Sunday's season finale against Metz, with the midfielder in contention to start, the club posted.
Analysis: Boudaoui had been a late call heading into the weekend after managing muscular issues, but his clearance is a welcome boost for Nice heading into the final fixture of their Ligue 1 campaign. The Algerian international is a key piece of the Aiglons' midfield engine and his availability gives coach Claude Puel his preferred options in the middle of the park for the Metz clash.
Late call Sunday
Boudaoui (muscular) is a late call for Sunday's clash against Metz, with his availability to be assessed before kickoff, according to coach Claude Puel, per Ici Azur. "We have had some muscular issues and some sick players. Boudaoui and Cho, we will see before the match how they feel."
Analysis: Boudaoui is a key figure in Nice's midfield setup, and his potential absence would force a reshuffle in the engine room heading into the weekend fixture. Salis Abdul Samed is expected to step in should Boudaoui be unable to go, with the club set to make a final call on his involvement before Sunday's match.
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