The Olympian infirmary is no longer full. After exhausting weeks where Roberto De Zerbi had to deal with a decimated squad, the sun finally returns to La Canebière. A few days before the derby against Nice this Friday at the Allianz Riviera stadium, the Italian technician can finally breathe. The international break allowed the injured to treat their injuries, and several returns are announced. A welcome breath of fresh air for OM who are aiming for the Ligue 1 podium. But everything is not perfect either.
De Zerbi smiles again
Leonardo Balerdi will be back. The Marseille captain, injured in his left calf for several weeks, took advantage of the break to accelerate his rehabilitation. He resumed collective sessions this week and should be in the group against Nice, barring a last minute problem. Excellent news for De Zerbi, who finds his defensive boss at the crucial moment of the season. Timothy Weah and Geoffrey Kondogbia, called up against Brest but remained on the bench, were also able to gain momentum during the break. Two valuable reinforcements to densify the workforce.
But all is not rosy. Amir Murillo returns injured from selection with Panama. Hit in the thigh, the right back was not even able to play a single match and returned to Marseille before the last Panamanian rally. The severity of his injury is not yet known, but it is already certain that he will miss the Nice derby. A hard blow for De Zerbi, who loses a starter on the right flank. Nayef Aguerd, victim of pubalgia, remained for treatment with the Moroccan selection before returning to Marseille at the end of last week. His presence against Nice remains uncertain.
Murillo withdraws, Aguerd uncertain
Long-term absences also persist. Amine Gouiri, who had shoulder surgery, is continuing his rehabilitation at the Aspetar clinic in Doha and hopes to return in January. Facundo Medina is targeting December for his return from ankle injury. But it is Hamed Junior Traoré who worries the most. Hit in the right thigh, the Ivorian international remains without a precise return date. A versatile and valuable profile that De Zerbi bitterly regrets. His injury thwarts the plans of the Italian technician.
Despite these absences, OM is gradually regaining strength. The return of Balerdi, Weah and Kondogbia restores depth to the squad. De Zerbi will be able to field a more competitive team in Nice. The derby promises to be hot, and Marseille will need all its men to win. The infirmary empties, morale rises. Friday evening at the Allianz Riviera stadium, OM will have to confirm.
