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Nadolo faces lengthy spell on sidelines
Montpellier and Fiji winger Nemani Nadolo will have an extended period on the sidelines to have knee surgery.
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He will the procedure on his knee cartilage on Monday according a report in French publication Midi Libre.
Nadolo confirmed the news by retweeting Midi Libre’s article.
The length of time he’ll be out has yet to be finalised, but the 30-year-old is expected to be out for around four months which represents a huge blow for the French club who begin their Heineken Champions Cup campaign by hosting Edinburgh in Pool 5 on Saturday.
Montpellier have been ravaged with injuries, earlier this week Johann Goosen was ruled out for two months, with the backline also missing former All Black Aaron Cruden, scrum-half Benoit Paillaugue, centre Francois Steyn and winger Timoci Nagusa.
Nadolo has been a revelation since his move from the Crusaders at the end of the 2016 Super Rugby season. The 130kg powerhouse recently signed a new contact to keep him at the Top 14 club until 2021.
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The prolific wing scored 19 tries in the French top tier for Vern Cotter’s side last season and claimed a double on his return from a previous injury in a 66-15 rout of Toulouse on September 23rd, with his contact extension confirmed days later.
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Speaking of his extension with the 2017/18 Top 14 runners-up Nadolo said “It’s a blessing to have been able to extend my contract with the club. I want to thank Mr. Altrad [Montpellier owner] and Vern for their trust. I have never stayed more than four seasons in the same club and when I arrived here, I did not think to stay so long,” Nadolo said.
“But I’m happy in Montpellier: it’s such a beautiful city. I feel that something special is happening here at the club, and I want to be part of it. I really think we have what it takes to win the championship. The club has never done it and I intend to contribute.”
Montpellier are fourth in the Top 14 standings and will want their winger back sooner rather than later in order to boost their challenge.
