Kocik ruled out for Le Mans trip to Nice with ankle injury

Le Mans won’t have their goalkeeper Nicolas Kocik available for the trip to Nice. As reported by L'Équipe, the keeper is dealing with an ankle sprain after going down injured in last weekend’s match against Rennes, which finished 2-3.

A key absence in goal

The issue came after a heavy clash with Arnaud Nordin (minute 76). Kocik left the pitch visibly affected and Ewan Hatfout replaced him in the 81st minute. In a press conference this Friday, Patrick Videira confirmed that he will miss the Saturday game at Nice (kick-off 20:45), citing the injury as an “ankle sprain”.

The club is aiming for a return on September 13 when Le Mans host Lens (17:15). If that timeframe doesn’t work out, the next expected window is the following weekend, against Lorient at stade Marie-Marvingt (19:45).

Elsewhere, Samuel Yohou—expected to be the usual captain for Le Mans this season—has not yet debuted in Ligue 1 because of a muscle problem. The article notes he trained normally toward the end of the week and could get his first minutes versus the Gym depending on how he feels.

Other squad updates

Habib Diallo is also reported as fit and should be included in the squad, but the start looks unlikely since he’s still in the acclimatisation phase in Sarthe. Finally, Djibril Sidibé, sent off after just 43 seconds on the pitch against Rennes, is suspended and won’t be in the matchday group.