Bassong out of action

Metz have suffered a further blow with Sebastien Bassong set for a spell on the sidelines.

The 21-year-old defender picked up a thigh injury during a friendly on Wednesday with the strained muscle putting him out of action for between six to eight weeks.

Bassong's problem comes after midfielder Julien Cardy was ruled out of playing at the start of the season with a broken foot and will be sidelined for at least two months, and may even need surgery.

The newly-promoted Les Grenats are expected to look for a central defender to deputise for Bassong.