While it should allow the Marseillais to put their heads back in place after a series of five defeats in a row synonymous, in particular, with 17e place in Ligue 1, the international break turned into a nightmare for the Ciel et Blanc. Consequence of the incredible series of injuries which struck the Olympian internationals during these two weeks.
The hardest blow to OM obviously concerns Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, victim of a muscle injury during his fourth start in a row with Denmark. If the exams taken at the start of the week reassured the Olympian staff, the former Spurs player will be absent on Saturday in Troyes and is expected to miss several matches.
This major loss forces Bruno Genesio to rack his brains to recompose his double pivot. If Himad Abdelli seems assured of holding his place in the midfield despite a sore ankle after a blow received with Algeria, the identity of his sidekick in the midfield remains very uncertain.
Players reduced in defense
Like Hamine Arit, Geoffrey Kondogbia still appears too physically fit. The most logical solution leads to Tochukwu Nnadi, out of the woods after his meniscus problem and author of a good half hour in a friendly against Montpellier, even if his competitive pace also remains an unknown. Other options, such as the repositioning of Angel Gomes or the tenure of young Nouhoum Kamissoko, are also being considered.
The massacre is not limited to the midfield and affects all the lines. In defense, Canadian Derek Cornelius, seriously injured in the hip, will not play again before 2027, CJ Egan-Riley suffers from his ankle and Nayef Aguerd is still impaired. And in the right lane, a duel looms between Ulisses Garcia and the position specialist Kelyann Bezahaf to compensate for the suspension of Timothy Weah.
Finally, up front, Amine Gouiri is uncertain due to thigh discomfort even though he should resume group sessions this Thursday.
