Olympique de Marseille midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi has opted against immediate surgery for a serious knee injury, despite consultants advising the procedure. The decision comes as the Nigerian international aims for a quicker return to the pitch.
Nnadi sustained the injury during Marseille’s recent defeat to AS Monaco, a match he entered at half-time but could not complete. While the club has not officially confirmed the exact nature of the injury, an ACL injury is suspected, indicating the severity of the issue.
Nnadi’s Decision and Risks
According to Nnadi’s agent, medical consultants strongly recommended immediate surgery. However, the midfielder has chosen a different path, acknowledging the potential risks involved. His agent stated that they are aware of the possibility of pain and that the recovery process will not be easy, but affirmed it was Nnadi’s personal decision. The agent also added that Nnadi felt he “could not abandon OM at such a time”, suggesting a strong desire to contribute to the team as soon as possible.
Marseille’s Midfield Concerns
Nnadi’s injury compounds a growing midfield problem for Olympique de Marseille. The club also lost Geoffrey Kondogbia to a muscular injury in the same match against Monaco. Manager Bruno Genesio has confirmed that Kondogbia will be unavailable for the upcoming fixture against Paris FC.
With two key midfielders sidelined, Genesio is facing limited options in the centre of the park. In response to the situation, the manager revealed on Friday that he had tested full-back Ulisses Garcia in a midfield role, indicating the extent of the team’s current challenges in that area.
Nnadi’s decision to forgo surgery highlights a calculated risk in his recovery, as Marseille navigates a period of significant injury setbacks ahead of crucial fixtures.