Jean-Matteo Bahoya(Image: Daniel Derajinski/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
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Jean-Matteo Bahoya is en route back to Leeds United after the France Football Federation [FFF] confirmed his injury withdrawal from under-21 duty.
The 21-year-old was forced off the field 35 minutes into Saturday’s U21 European Qualifying match against Luxembourg with an ankle problem. The severity of the setback is unknown.
Bahoya, a deadline day signing, played 145 minutes across his two prior games, having barely played two minutes all season, his brief Leeds debut coming against Crystal Palace before the international break.
France Under-21 coach Gerald Baticle confirmed over the weekend that Bahoya’s injury was ankle-related but needed more tests to determine the extent of his injury. Team medics have determined he would not be fit in time for tonight’s game against Switzerland.
It is not known whether his withdrawal from camp is only precautionary, given that France has already qualified for the under-21 Euros next year. The FFF have released a statement confirming Bahoya’s exit.
It reads: “Having already qualified for the 2027 UEFA U21 Championship, Les Bleuets will be without Jean-Matteo Bahoya and Giovani Versini for their final qualifier against Switzerland this Tuesday in Orleans.
Jean-Matteo Bahoya in action for France under-21s
Jean-Matteo Bahoya in action for France under-21s(Image: Getty Images)
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“Jean-Matteo Bahoya (ankle injury) and Giovani Versini (leg injury) - both hurt during the match against Luxembourg - will not have recovered in time for the game against Switzerland this Tuesday (7:00 PM) at the Stade de la Source in Orleans. They have been forced to withdraw.”
Bahoya left the team on Monday. He is the first Leeds injury casualty of the international break, albeit Joe Rodon and Harry Wilson were unable to join up with Wales due to respective hamstring and quad injuries.
Before his setback, Bahoya had scored in a 2-0 win over Estonia U21s. It means he has three goals and four assists in eight appearances for the age group.
Meanwhile, Leeds boss Daniel Farke has been careful in his usage of the winger, who has joined on an initial loan from Eintracht Frankfurt with a potential obligation clause.
Prior to his debut, Farke said he did not want to throw Bahoya into action before he was sure he could “swim”.
Leeds travel to champions Arsenal on Saturday lunchtime. It remains to be determined whether Bahoya makes the squad, but regardless, given previous usage and strength of opposition, the chances of minutes seem slim.