Florian Thauvin Reportedly 'Violently Assaulted' in Marseille Robbery Attempt

On-loan Marseille winger Florian Thauvin was reportedly "violently assaulted" on Monday evening as he fended off an attempted robbery. 

According to French outlet La Provence (h/t Get French Football News), the planned attack began with two men on mopeds crashing into the back of the 23-year-old's car at 7 p.m. local time—they then attacked him when he got out to investigate in a bid to steal his watch, reported to be worth €25,000.

La Provence (h/t Sport Witness) added one of the men "strangled Thauvin from behind," but the Frenchman was able to escape them and take "refuge in a nearby house."

The Chronicle's Chris Waugh was relieved Thauvin appears to have come away unscathed, while Goal's Mohammed Ali noted he was able to join in with training on Tuesday:

The winger joined Newcastle United last year but was sent back to Marseille on loan in January.

He returned to Marseille on loan once again in the summer, with the Ligue 1 club having "an obligation" to buy him back permanently, per BBC Sport.