The 31 year old felt some pain during his warm up for the match against Manchester United but was expected to be available for the weekend game.
Sadly – with Manu Lanzini unable to play with an abductor tear – CandH has learned that the Frenchman will be unable to take up the midfield creative duties.
We were told this morning by a senior source on the ‘phone that the player remains injured and has been ruled out already.
It’s a blow for the manager who despite his admiration for the player will need to give very careful consideration to whether the option for a further year’s deal is a wise move given the circumstances.
Nasri has not appeared in the first team since arriving as a second half sub against Huddersfield and has made just five Premier League appearances since January.
He will need to make a rapid recovery if he is not to run out of time in his bid to prove he is worth the year’s deal.