AS Saint-Etienne's leading scorer last season, Wahbi Khazri is out of Sunday's clash with Montpellier Hérault SC after undergoing surgery on a fractured hand.
Tests showed that Khazri fractured the fourth metatarsal in his right hand in a fall while playing for Tunisia against Equatorial Guinea in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying on Tuesday.
He underwent an operation on Friday and must now rest for three weeks, according to reports. That means he could miss up to seven games for his club, including the meeting with Montpellier as well as two UEFA Europa League group outings.
Khazri scored 13 Ligue 1 Conforama goals for Les Verts last season but has just one in the current campaign. However, his injury came just as he had returned to form for Tunisia, scoring twice in their 4-1 home win over Libya in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying on November 15 and then getting the only goal of the game against Equatorial Guinea before suffering the injury.
Arnaud Nordin and Denis Bouanga could partner one another in attack for Claude Puel’s side against Montpellier on Sunday, as Saint-Etienne aim to extend their nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
