Rennes midfielder Romain Allesandrini has insisted that the cruciate ligament injury he suffered in the 2-0 defeat to Lille was "fate".

Alessandrini admitted that he was told he was likely to injure his right knee after undergoing surgery a few years ago on his left.

"Before my first operation, the doctor told me that one day I would 'do' the right knee as well," Lige1.com quotes Alessandrini as saying.

"It's fate, there's nothing I can do about it. I just tell myself that there are far worse things that can happen, and that trying experiences like this one are part and parcel of being a footballer.

"It's just disappointing because the end of the season with Stade Rennais was looking very exciting."

Rennes are currently seventh in Ligue 1.