Nice star Ben Arfa sidelined for a month

Ben Arfa hobbled off near the end of Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Cote d'Azur rivals Monaco, with Nice confirming their leading scorer would miss between four and five weeks.

The 28-year-old has enjoyed a spectacular return to form this season, netting 11 league goals to spearhead Nice's challenge for European football next season.

Claude Puel's side are third in France, above Saint-Etienne on goal difference, in the race for the final Champions League spot, although they will be without Ben Arfa at home to Marseille this weekend.

After joining Nice in the close-season, Ben Arfa's sparkling performances also saw him recalled to the France squad following a three-year exile for November's 2-0 victory over world champions Germany.