NANTES defender Nicolas Cozza proved he was made of stern stuff after playing on despite needing stitches in his head.

Already a man down, Montpellier finished the game with nine players after Arnaud Nordin’s horrendous attempted challenge.

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His studs caught Cozza, 25, flush on the head after a wild lunge for a high ball.

The left-back bravely attempted to make a header despite the challenge coming in.

And unbelievably he was able to play out the final few minutes as the sides drew 1-1.

The point could be crucial for Nantes, who are four clear of Le Harve in Ligue 1’s relegation play-off spot.

Le Harve travel to Paris Saint-Germain tonight and will not fancy their chances of winning their game in hand.

Cozza came through Montpellier’s youth academy and made over 100 appearances for them but left to join Wolfsburg in 2023.

He has since returned to France on loan with Nantes and the relegation-threatened team’s fans will surely appreciate his dedication to the cause.

Earlier this week, Championship Cardiff began a court case against the French outfit claiming £100million in losses over Emiliano Sala’s disputed transfer.

The striker tragically passed away in a plane crash on the way to Wales to complete his move.

Cardiff claim they would have stayed in the Premier League should Sala have been available for the second half of the 2018-19 season.

Lawyer Celine Jones said a legal expert had produced the fee they requested.

Nantes have until September 23 to respond.

Their lawyers said: “We’ll take the time to study these new voluminous documents and these figures.”

Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s future

Where do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future

Jamie Carragher – Sacked

“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”

Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup

“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”

Louis Saha – On the fence

“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”

Alan Shearer – Sacked

“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”