Steve Mandanda is set to miss France’s friendly against African Cup of Nations holders Ivory Coast at Stade Bollaert-Delelis this evening due to a slight knee injury, according to RMC Sport.
The extent of the injury is currently unknown but it is understood that Didier Deschamps is not prepared to risk playing the Eagles goalkeeper who joined the club from Marseille in the summer transfer window.
The 31-year-old has been the number one choice for Alan Pardew this season despite some questionable performances of late, including his blunder against Burnley, just before the international break.
Mandanda so far has made nine appearances for the club, conceding 17 goals during those game with only one clean sheet being kept in the EFL Cup against Blackpool in the second round of the competition at Selhurst Park.
If the number one choice is unavailable for Saturday’s game against Manchester City it is likely that Welsh international Wayne Hennessey will take his place in between the sticks.
The 29-year-old conceded just a single goal in Wales’ 1-1 draw with Serbia on Friday. Hennessey hasn’t featured for the Eagles since the first two games of the season against West Bromwich Albion and Tottenham, where he played whilst Mandanda took an extended holiday after the European Championships.
