Reims weigh market move after captain Mory Gbane’s knee blow
At the Stade de Reims training ground, the club’s captain Mory Gbane limped off with a knee injury that will keep him out for several months, leaving a significant void for both ASSE and the Ligue 1 side. Coach Nicolas Usaï confirmed the blow and warned that a squad adjustment may be needed before the transfer window closes.
The injury was sustained during a match against Clermont, and it joins a similar knee problem for teammate Lenny Sylla, who will also miss a long spell of the season. Both players’ absences hit the Le Stade de Reims midfield and defensive depth hard.
Coach reaction and squad impact
« Pour Mory Gbane et Lenny Sylla, c’est sûr que c’est un coup dur pour eux, mais aussi pour le groupe », said Nicolas Usaï after the press conference. He added that the club must rely on the remaining squad members to cover the gaps.
A decision on a possible reinforcement is expected on Saturday, but Usaï said he only learned of Gbane’s unavailability last night and has not yet met with the board. The timing leaves little room for swift action before the market deadline.
Transfer window considerations
Usaï did not rule out an adjustment before the end of the mercato, acknowledging that the double blow could force the club to act. He stressed that the board meeting on Saturday morning could determine whether a new signing is required.
Premières tensions at Olympique de Marseille as new faces arrive
Meanwhile, the coach remains focused on the upcoming Ligue 1 clash with Dunkerque, scheduled for Friday at Delaune. He expects the current roster to be ready for that match.
In parallel news, Olympique de Marseille is pursuing a last‑minute deal for goalkeeper Lucas Perri, who is set to undergo a medical in Turin, while Torino remains confident about the transfer.
Defender Samuel Kotto recalled that Gbane was “a very important element of the group” and expressed confidence in the existing players to cover the absences for the months ahead. He highlighted the depth of talent already at the club.
Reims, a direct rival of ASSE in the promotion race, has not closed any doors and will decide after the board meeting whether to accelerate in the market to digest the double setback.