Spanish Nantes midfielder Pedro Chirivella (25) announced one month ago that his season was over owing to an injury. The former Liverpool man was suffering from a groin injury, and had played through the pain for several games before deciding to withdraw. “I need some time to be 100% fit“, said Chirivella on social media. “I never took the time to recover because I wanted to help the team, but I’m honest. I need a break to get back on top.“
— Pedro Chirivella (@pedrochb97) May 15, 2023
However with Nantes fighting to keep their Ligue 1 status after a wretched run of results since the turn of the year, Chirivella is in line to make an unexpected comeback. Les Canaris coach Pierre Aristouy has revealed that, on his own initiative, Chirivella has offered his side a helping hand for the games that will decide in which division Nantes will play. To the surprise of many, Chirivella was seen training at La Jonelière, the club’s training ground, on Monday. “Pedro came to see me the day after I was appointed“, Aristouy said in his pre-game press conference that RMC Sport attended. “I believe he hates the fact that he is not able to help. We met with the medical staff to see if we could fast-track his rehabilitation program.“
Chirivella won’t be fit enough to play at home against Montpellier on Saturday for Ligue 1 gameweek 36. But Aristouy believes the Spaniard may feature for the last two games of the season. The coach has lauded the former Liverpool player’s commitment. “Within the squad, Pedro is seen as an extremely generous and valuable player who does a lot of work on the pitch.“
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
