Montpellier dealt blow

The 27-year-old (pictured) will be absent as his side look to overhaul leaders Marseille from fourth place in Ligue 1.

Marveaux will be in a cast for six weeks, a lay-off which has ruled him out of Montpellier's title run-in, with his side level on points with third-placed Lyon.

"Unfortunately, Joris Marveaux's season is over," the club said on their website.

"Montpellier's number six has suffered a sprained medical collateral ligament in his right knee and will wear a cast for 45 days."

Rene Girard's side have stunned everyone in the French league with a fearless title challenge following promotion to Ligue 1, and Marveaux has started in all but one game this season.

The club are four points behind leaders Marseille but have played a game more, while Girard's overachieving side continue to vie with Lyon for the final Champions League spot.