Tochukwu Nnadi opts against surgery after knee injury

Tochukwu Nnadi has chosen to avoid immediate surgery on his right knee, taking a riskier route in the hope of returning to action quickly for Marseille. Medical examinations found a serious injury, while a torn ligament has been feared, although the club has not publicly detailed his condition.

The 20-year-old Nigerian was injured during Marseille’s 2-0 victory over Monaco at the Louis II Stadium on Sunday. He had come on at half-time before leaving the match for Neal Maupay with around 15 minutes remaining. The game was Marseille’s closing fixture of the second Ligue 1 round.

Nnadi’s agent said the player, the medical staff and his entourage spent several days weighing the options. Immediate surgery was viewed as the safer choice, but it would have kept him away from the team and competition for several months. Nnadi instead accepted the possibility of pain and a difficult recovery without an operation for now.

The decision also reflects his desire to repay the confidence shown by coach Bruno Genesio since pre-season. Nnadi, formerly of Zulte-Waregem, has not yet established himself as a regular starter in Genesio’s plans, but the injury has not changed his wish to return as soon as possible.