Ângelo Gabriel out for weeks as Strasbourg injury crisis worsens

Ângelo Gabriel (19) will not travel with RC Strasbourg Alsace ahead of their Sunday fixture against Montpellier HSC after picking up an injury during training on Friday. 

The winger on loan from parent club Chelsea FC was injured on the pubis and could be out for up to six weeks according to L’Èquipe .

This marks the latest injury setback for Patrick Viera’s small squad as Gabriel joins Lebo Mothiba, Moïse Sahi Dion, and Jérémy Sebas on a growing list of unavailable players. Viera will particularly feel the absence of Gabriel , as he was the only available left winger for the team after owners BlueCo refused to sanction a transfer for an alternative in the winter window. 

Strasbourg had targeted that as a problem position in the event that Gabriel became injured. However, BlueCo shareholder Behdad Eghbali, who has the final say on transfers, rejected all targets as he wanted the club to maximise Gabriel’s playing time, which has brought accusations that the owners are prioritising the needs of their other club Chelsea. 

Habib Diarra (20) who usually plays in midfield will likely be asked to cover for Gabriel while the winger recovers, as Strasbourg search for an end to their seven-game winless streak against fellow strugglers Montpellier. 

GFFN | Nick Hartland