Three speeds in one squad, three days out from Europe
Three days from their Conference League opener, Monaco are not heading into their first European night with a full house. A calf issue for Ansu Fati, a foot injury for Matthis Abline and Folarin Balogun’s gradual return mean the squad is moving at different speeds.
Try it for $0.99.
Fati will have to wait a bit longer
The countdown is on. On Thursday, Monaco are back in official action with a trip to Poland to face Gornik Zabrze in the first leg of their Conference League play-off. A proper test for Filipe Luis as he prepares to begin a new chapter on the Rock.
But with the match only days away, the news is not exactly glowing.
Ansu Fati did not take part in Monday’s training session. The Spanish forward is nursing a calf problem, a muscle issue that surfaced last week during Monaco’s trip to England. It does not look like a long layoff, but it is enough to push back his return again.
The timing is especially frustrating because Fati had originally been pencilled in for next Sunday’s Ligue 1 opener at Le Havre. That now looks unlikely. A return in September is a more realistic target.
For Monaco, then, it is still a waiting game before the former Barcelona man pulls on the shirt in a meaningful match.
A cut foot, several stitches, and a striker in limbo
Matthis Abline’s situation is different, but just as uncertain. The forward picked up a knock last Friday in Monaco’s friendly win at Coventry (2-0).
While taking a shot, the former Nantes striker was blocked and crashed to the turf heavily. He played on for around an hour despite the pain. It later emerged the damage was more serious than first thought.
The impact left him with a cut on his right foot, deep enough to require several stitches. Abline missed Monday’s training and his condition leaves his involvement against Gornik Zabrze on Thursday in doubt.
Monaco have not made a final call, though. He could still make it, even if the next few days will be decisive. Filipe Luis will have to wait and see whether he can call on his striker for this first European skirmish.
Balogun finally offers a bit of good news
Amid the mixed updates, Folarin Balogun at least brings some cheer.
The US forward is now training normally with the group. That is a significant step for a player trying to get back to full sharpness after time out.
His future, though, is far from settled. Balogun is one of the players who could still leave Monaco during this transfer window. But while any decision on his future waits, the former Arsenal man is edging closer to a return to the pitch.
Useful timing for Filipe Luis. With Fati still sidelined and Abline uncertain, Balogun’s comeback could give Monaco another attacking option as they prepare for their first official match.
Monaco fly to Poland on Wednesday afternoon, on the eve of their clash with Gornik. Until then, Abline’s fitness will be watched closely. For this opening European night of the season, Filipe Luis does not yet have all his cards in hand.
in your pocket.
Real-time notifications & alerts
Leave a Reply