Nigeria international Moses Simon is set for another spell on the sidelines as FC Nantes confirm he requires surgery to address persistent ankle pain, Soccernet.ng reports.

Simon, who only returned to action in August after a fractured fibula ended his 2023/24 season prematurely, is now dealing with the after-effects of that injury.

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Antoine Kombouaré, Nantes’ head coach, provided an update on the situation, confirming the necessity of the operation.

“Moses had the plate and screws removed from his ankle (and fibula) because he had been in a lot of pain recently,” Kombouaré revealed, as per Ouest-France.

“We are taking advantage of this period, with the short break coming up, to have him undergo this operation. It will give him two weeks before he can calmly resume with the group. It was really a necessary operation for him.”

Simon has been a vital cog in Nantes’ attacking machinery this season, registering four goals and five assists in 14 Ligue 1 appearances. With that tally, he is Nantes’ leading goalscorer and top assist provider.

The Super Eagles star’s creative presence and goal-scoring ability have made him indispensable to the Canaries’ frontline.

However, Simon’s absence will be keenly felt, particularly with Nantes’ Coupe de France opener against Drancy looming on December 21.

Despite the surgery, Simon’s availability for the league’s resumption on January 5 against Lille remains uncertain.

He last featured for Nantes in a 4-1 loss to Brest on December 15, where he registered an assist. Earlier this month, he showed his importance with decisive performances, including a late winner against Rennes on December 8.