Samuel Kalu grabs assist on Bordeaux return against Rennes

Samuel Kalu provided an assist on his return from a hamstring injury to help Bordeaux secure a 1-0 win over Rennes in Friday’s Ligue 1 game.

The 23-year-old suffered the injury while on international duty with Nigeria in their friendly against Algeria in Austria in October.

Kalu subsequently missed Bordeaux’s last four games, against Marseille, Nimes, Monaco and Montpellier.

The winger was also not involved in the Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone, where they played to back-to-back draws.

Kalu returned to training on Monday with the rest of the Girondins’ squad and after proving his fitness, he was handed a starting role against the Red and Blacks.

The forward played behind his compatriot Josh Maja, who spearheaded Bordeaux's attack in the encounter.

Kalu made a significant contribution, setting up Hatem Ben Arfa for the only goal of the game, to ensure his side clinched their fourth win of the season.

The Super Eagles star dribbled past his markers before sending a through ball to Ben Arfa, who fired his effort into the back of the net.

Kalu only lasted 57 minutes in the encounter before he was replaced by Remi Oudin after suffering another injury.

Maja featured for the hour mark before making way for Jimmy Briand while Amadou Traore was introduced for Mehdi Zerkane in the 59th minute.

Senegal international M'Baye Niang played for 13 minutes after replacing Sehrou Guirassy, Mali international Hamari Traore was brought on for Brandon Soppy while Ghana target Jeremy Doku featured for 58 minutes.

The victory ensured the Girondins moved to 11th on the league table after gathering 15 points from 11 games.

The nature of Kalu’s new injury is yet to be known and it is uncertain if he would be available for selection in Bordeaux’s next league game against Paris Saint-Germain on November 28.