Nantes reveal result of Jean-Kevin Augustin medical test, former Leeds United striker issues statement

The striker, who left Leeds last season having struggled to regain fitness after injury, has encountered more difficulties in his native country with the Ligue 1 side.

It was recently reported that he would spend the rest of the season in their reserves and following medical tests the club believe they've found a cause for his physical issues.

"Despite re-athletic work and significant personal investment since his arrival at the club, Jean-Kevin Augustin has not been able to regain all of his physical means," said a club spokesperson.

"To understand and analyse the reasons for this athletic deficit, FC Nantes and the player's entourage wanted Jean-Kevin to carry out a series of more in-depth medical tests in recent days. These revealed that the attacker is still suffering the consequences of a Covid-19 infection, which is akin to the so-called 'long Covid' syndrome.

"The player will now pursue a strict medical protocol, adapted to his current state of health, necessary to recover all of his means and his physical form.

"At the same time, as part of a re-athletic program of several weeks, determined by the doctors and the club, it will remain at the disposal of the reserve until the end of the season."

The 23-year-old has managed to play just 33 minutes during the 2020/21 campaign and released a statement of his own, acknowledging the disappointment of Nantes supporters at how the season has turned out.

"I want to thank the people who support me in this very difficult period from a professional point of view, but also personal," he said.

"The club and the supporters are having a particularly difficult season and I measure the expectations that arose when I came. I understand all the more so the frustration of all the fans of the FCN having placed many hopes in me, and believe me that I share it.

"Know that I do everything to get back to my best form as quickly as possible. My goal is always the same: to help the club and the team to overcome this bad patch, to reach its goals."

Augustin is the subject of a disagreement between Leeds and RB Leipzig, the club from whom they loaned the striker with a view to a permanent move in January 2020.

FIFA have been called in to settle the dispute and a spokesperson recently told the Yorkshire Evening Post they were still investigating the matter.