OM returns to service. The Marseille club will return to Ligue 1 with a perilous trip to Nice for the 13th day, before hosting Newcastle on Tuesday at the Vélodrome in the Champions League. Present at a press conference before tomorrow’s match, Roberto De Zerbi took stock of his squad.
The Italian technician showed concern about the state of Nayef Aguerd. The Moroccan defender, affected by pubalgia, will be absent for several more weeks. “He’s an irreplaceable player, but you still have to play when he’s not there. Balerdi returns, Kondogbia too. Medina is still injured and Murillo was injured in the selection. Aguerd, it’s a heavy absence”underlined De Zerbi.
This unavailability could complicate Walid Regragui’s plans for the African Cup of Nations. From December 21 to January 18, Morocco, the host country, will try to win the continental title, and the absence of Aguerd would be added to that of Achraf Hakimi, injured in the ankle.
Balerdi, a return that feels good
Before the international break, De Zerbi had already warned about his player’s situation: “He suffers from pubalgia and had felt it getting worse. He had to take exams and rest. Otherwise, he risked worsening his situation and missing the CAN, as well as decisive periods in the Champions League.. The situation seems to be getting complicated.
If Aguerd is a blow, OM can rejoice in the return of Leonardo Balerdi who will mitigate the loss of the Moroccan.
“He is still a key player on this team, starter and captain of our team. It’s an important season for him too. We must always be 100% on all fronts, we want to reach the end of all competitions”concludes De Zerbi.
