Premier League star limps off in Afcon opener with fans fearing worst as they say ‘most depressing day of the year’

NOTTINGHAM FOREST fans are fearing the worst after Moussa Niakhate limped out of Senegal’s win over Gambia.

The defender was forced off late on in his country’s opening Africa Cup of Nations match on Monday.

Getty

Moussa Niakhate picked up an injury during Senegal’s win over Gambia on Monday[/caption]

Sky Sports

The defender’s injury comes as a concern for Forest supporters[/caption]

He first went down injured in the 73rd minute before attempting to continue.

However, Niakhate was ultimately replaced by Abdoulaye Seck nine minutes from time.

The injury concern is another blow for Forest fans after they were charged with breaching Financial Fair Play rules earlier in the day.

Both Forest and Everton could face a minimum six-point deduction for breaking Profitability and Sustainability Rules last season.

The Toffees were previously hit with a 10-point penalty in November for the same offence in the 2021/22 campaign.

Reacting to Niakhate’s injury on social media, one fan sarcastically joked: “Great start to the week.”

Another fumed: “Niakhate injured. Today is some f***ing day for us.”

A third supporter also added: “No wonder today is the most depressing day of the year, Forest facing a possible points deduction & Niakhate gone off injured.”

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Meanwhile, one more wrote: “Nothing says Nottingham Forest like being charged with a breach of the Premier League’s Profitability & Sustainability Rule and having Moussa Niakhate injured on international duty in the space of half an hour.”

The 27-year-old defender only made his Senegal debut in March after switching his international allegiance from France.

Niakhate had been capped up to under-21 level by the country of his birth before opting to represent the Lions of Teranga.

He has also been an important player for Forest so far this term, making 15 appearances across all competitions.