Brest lose Pierre Lees-Melou until 2025

Today at 01:03 PM

Stade Brestois look set to be without Pierre Lees-Melou (31) until 2025, after the influential midfielder suffered an injury against AS Monaco on Friday.

Lees-Melou, who missed the start of the season having broken his fibula back in May, has only recently returned to full fitness. He has featured in Brest's last two Champions League fixtures, netting once in a draw against Bayer Leverkusen. It was a goal that allowed Les Pirates to remain unbeaten in the competition. Eric Roy's side have 10 points from their first four games and look on course to qualify for the next stage of the competition. 

Lees-Melou went down all on his own just before the 20-minute mark, holding his calf. Whilst he continued for a few more minutes, it was clear that the former Norwich City man was in discomfort and he was subsequently replaced on the 22-minute mark by Edimilson Fernandes. 

The former Norwich City man emerged from the tunnel on crutches at the start of the second half with Eric Roy striking a pessimistic tone post-match. "There isn't much news [on the injury]. It doesn't look too good. It was a blow just below the knee, on the fibula," said Roy. That diagnosis proved correct. It is indeed a fibula injury and it is affecting the same zone as the injury that had kept him out between May and October. 

Lees-Melou isn’t expected to return until 2025 as he will be sidelined for multiple weeks, L’Équipe understands. It is a blow for Brest, who face Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League next week. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle