Is Marseille's defensive injury crisis easing ahead of Le Classique?

29/03/2024 12:00

When Jonathan Clauss came off in the 11th minute during France’s 3-2 victory over Chile on Tuesday, Olympique de Marseille’s injury crisis deepened, leaving Olympique de Marseille with potentially just two fit defenders to face Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s Le Classique. 

Left-back Quentin Merlin and centre-back Chancel Mbemba were the only two recognised defenders sure of featuring in the fixture. Leonardo Balerdi was a doubt for the fixture, however, there is increasing optimism at Marseille that the Argentinian centre-back will be fit to participate in the fixture against PSG, according to RMC Sport.

Samuel Gigot could also return. The defender has been treated for a shoulder injury in recent weeks. He returned to first-team training this week and whilst OM’s medical staff are reticent to take risks, he may be re-integrated with Jean-Louis Gasset short on options. Should Gigot return, Mbemba would likely feature at right-back in a 4-3-3 formation, according to L’Équipe. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle