Hard blow for MHSC: it's already over for Nikola Maksimovic who will be absent until the end of the season

On ne reverra pas Nikola Maksimovic sous les couleurs du MHSC cette saison. Midi Libre – JEAN MICHEL MART

Arrivé fin octobre, le défenseur central serbe Nikola Maksimovic souffre d'une désintertion de l'ischio de la cuisse droite qu'il a contracté à Lyon (1-0), samedi 4 janvier.

The suspicion of a serious injury was looming, the diagnosis has been made. Serbian central defender Nikola Maksimovic is suffering from a disinsertion of the hamstring of his right thigh, contracted on Saturday during the defeat (1-0) in Lyon, and will not play again this season.

This Tuesday, January 7, the former Torino and Naples player (33 years old) is wondering with the medical staff about the advisability of an operation. And leaves the Montpellier defense confronted with its old demons and its fragility before facing Angers on Sunday (5:15 p.m.) at La Mosson during the 17th day of Ligue 1.

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

Maksimovic was injured in the 64th minute of play following a tackle on Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette. The medical staff quickly detected the seriousness of the injury suffered by the former Serbian international (25 caps), who was carried off on a stretcher with severe pain. “According to the physio, it's important”, Gasset whispered at the end of the match.

Maksimovic, who played for eight seasons in Italy, arrived at the end of a very gloomy October. Faced with a shortage of central defenders and a failing defense, Montpellier urgently called on the Serbian, who was free of any contract, the day after the slap in the face to Mosson against Toulouse (0-3).

A new problem for Gasset

Engaged in an improbable race to stay up, Montpellier is exposed to a new problem. For the moment, Jean-Louis Gasset only has two professional central defenders: Becir Omeragic and Modibo Sagnan, with the young Stefan Dzodic and Yaël Mouanga as back-ups.

The Montpellier coach is impatiently awaiting the return of former Messin “Kiki” Kouyaté, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee at the beginning of October. The Malian international (27 years old) is continuing his re-athleticization before taking part in collective sessions shortly. ““Kiki”, with what I see in training, is a ray of sunshine, because he wants to, he is aggressive, respected by everyone”, estimated the technician during his back-to-school conference. Kouyaté is eager to return to the squad, if possible on Sunday against Angers, but he still has to wait to apply for a starting spot.

Tchato and Sylla with flu

Arnaud Nordin (26 years old) suffered a sprained ankle last week in training and is doing better. Although the former Saint-Etienne player was absent on Tuesday morning in the cold of Grammont, it is not out of the question that he will be back against Angers. Full-backs Enzo Tchato and Issiaga Sylla, with flu, remained in the gym. Meanwhile, Othmane Maamma, Lucas Mincarelli and Falaye Sakho trained on the sidelines.