Auxerre’s battle for survival in France’s Ligue Un just got a lot more difficult.

Today the club announced their captain Benoît Pedretti will remain sidelined for the remainder of the season due to an adductor muscle injury suffered earlier this month. Pedretti has missed the last two matches for the relegation-threatened club. Head coach Jean Fernandez spoke with the media on Wednesday:

Despite all the care he has received in recent weeks, Benoit struggled when running on Tuesday and the decision was made on Wednesday morning, with the medical staff, that surgery was unavoidable. He will undergo surgery in Lyon next week and his season is therefore over.

The loss of their captain will be devastating for Auxerre. They are currently in the relegation zone in 18th place sitting on 34 points. However, there is hope. Sochaux, currently in 10th place, are only sitting on 39 points.

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