Blow for Youcef Atal Suitors as Algerian Sidelined for Months

Suitors of Youcef Atal’s chances of signing the Nice’s right-back this season have been scuppered after the Algerian picked up an injury.

The Africa Cup of Nations title-winning Atal had to be hauled off after twenty-eight minutes in Nice’s win over Metz on Saturday.

That victory was soured by the Algerian’s situation as scans later conducted by club doctors confirm he would be on the peripheries for a “long time”.

“Bad news for Youcef Atal and Les Aiglons. Forced to go off half an hour into the game against Metz this Saturday, the Algerian international has undergone additional examinations,” a statement from the club’s official portal reads.

“The diagnosis revealed a meniscal lesion in the right knee. The 23-year-old, who will be operated on soon, will, unfortunately, be out of action for a long time. OGC Nice wishes him a speedy recovery,” it adds.

Also capable of fielding as a defender, Atal has been courting rave reviews from Barcelona and clubs in the English Premier League amid reports the Catalan giants were evaluating acquiring his services when the transfer window re-opens.