Auxerre captain Benoit Pedretti out for the rest of the season: Ligue 1 news
Ligue 1 side Auxerre’s hopes of avoiding relegation this season were dealt a big blow when it was announced that club captain Benoit Pedretti would miss the remainder of the season due to a groin injury.
The Frenchman is a vital part of the Burgundy club. His great vision and precise passing in the centre of the field have been an invaluable asset for the club. Furthermore, his dynamic playing style suits manager Jean Fernandez’s counter-attacking approach well. However, it has now been confirmed that the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-de-Marseille-c40127 player will play no further part in Auxerre’s quest to avoid the drop.
While talking to the media, coach jean Fernandez said that the player had been receiving treatment for several weeks, but added that Pedretti was still feeling pain after a training session on Tuesday. Later on, the coach announced that the player would undergo surgery.
Fernandez said, "The decision was taken on Wednesday morning, in consultation with the medical staff, that surgery is unavoidable. He will go under the knife in Lyon next week, which puts an end to his season."
Auxerre are currently in 18th place in the Ligue 1 table. Just a year after the club stunned French football by qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, they are now facing the prospect of being relegated from top flight football. Auxerre are already fighting to save face and the absence of their captain and playmaker will sorely be missed by the players and fans alike.
A dejected Fernandez praised Pedretti by calling him a great team leader and admitted that the captain's absence could make things more complicated for his side. He said, "I was counting on his return to action as we head into the home stretch of the season. We really didn't need this right now. His absence will seriously complicate our end to the season."
To complicate matters further, Fernandez is also waiting on the return of defender http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jean-Pascal-Mignot-c18216. The Frenchman has been nursing a foot injury for three months and was on the brink of making a return to first-team action when he picked up a fresh injury. While playing a game for the reserves on Sunday, Mignot injured his right thigh - an injury that will now keep him out for another two to three weeks.
Tags: