Football
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Rennes' Yoann Gourcuff sidelined until new year

Rennes president Rene Ruello does not expect his injured new recruit Yoann Gourcuff to play again "before the end of the year."

The 29-year-old Breton has signed for his former club after his contract with Lyon expired in the summer, but the midfielder is still struggling to recover from stress fractures in his foot.

Gourcuff joined Lyon for €22 million in 2010. His time at the Stade de Gerland was, however, blighted by a succession of injuries.

Ruello told L'Equipe: "I want him to once again become the great player he used to be. Football is in his DNA.

"So it's unfortunate that he's not able to play at the moment. He needs treatment as such a fracture needs time to heal. The doctor said it might take eight months for him to recover.

"His current injury was not detected before he left Lyon and that has led to further problems. He must get out of this bad spiral.

"It's difficult to set him a deadline but I do not think he will play before the end of the year."

Gourcuff, who has played for France 31 times, won the Ligue 1 title with Bordeaux in 2010 and can also name AC Milan among his former clubs.

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