Reassurance for M'Vila
16/11/2011
Anxieties over the back injury sustained by Rennes' Yann M'Vila in France's 0-0 draw with Belgium have been eased, initial examinations showing no signs of neurological damage for the defensive midfielder.
Concerns over Yann M'Vila's match fitness going into the game with a slight knock were quickly superseded by more serious worries when the 21-year-old was stretchered from the field in a neck brace just before half time in France's 0-0 friendly draw with Belgium at the Stade de France on Tuesday.
Worst fears eased
After falling awkwardly in an aerial challenge with Belgium's Lille star Eden Hazard, M'Vila was clearly in distress and was rushed to nearby Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital where initial examinations calmed fears of any neurological damage.
With further tests to be performed in the coming days, little is known about the exact nature of the injury and the length of M'Vila's absence from action, but it is clear that the keystone of the Rennes midfield will be unavailable for the trip to Lyon on Friday night, when Frédéric Antonetti's fifth-placed side will be looking for a first win since Week 11 to keep them in touch with the pac chasing leaders Paris Saint-Germain.
>> PLAYER PROFILE: Yann M'Vila
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