For the Clasico against Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 on February 26, Olympique de Marseille has confirmed the suspension of central defender Chancel Mbemba. With the injury of Samuel Gigot, uncertain for this shock, the phocen coach Igor Tudor will have to find solutions.
Igor Tudor will have to find solutions.
During the last winter transfer window, the president of Olympique de Marseille Pablo Longoria took a risk. To allow Isaak Tour to gain playing time in Ligue 1, the Spaniard loaned the central defender to AJ Auxerre without replacing him.
In central defence, Olympian coach Igor Tudor therefore has five solutions for three places in his preferred system (3-4-2-1): Chancel Mbemba, Eric Bailly, Leonardo Balerdi, Samuel Gigot and potentially Sead Kolasinac, who covers also the left piston station.
Mbemba suspended for Paris, Leg uncertain…
Inevitably, in such a situation, the slightest absence can quickly become a real headache for the Croatian technician. Forced to adapt during Bailly’s long absence, returning to Clermont (2-0) last Saturday after a 7-game suspension, the OM coach will still have to find solutions in his preparation for the shock against Paris Saint-Germain in L1 on February 26.
For what ? Because on Thursday, the Disciplinary Committee of the French Football Federation suspended Mbemba, for three warnings in less than ten games, for this Clasico! Deprived of one of his best players for this important poster in the race for the title, Tudor also finds himself faced with the possible unavailability of Gigot, currently in the infirmary due to an ankle injury and still uncertain.
The Rongier alternative?
As things stand, the ex-coach of Hellas Vrone still has three players available to make up his central defence: Bailly, Balerdi and Kolasinac. However, there is also uncertainty regarding left piston Nuno Tavares, who has been injured in the thigh since early February. During the Coupe de France match against PSG (2-1) on February 8, Tudor absolutely wanted a right-hander as the right piston and a left-hander as the left piston.
Thus, Kolasinac had replaced Tavares in the corridor… with the surprise Valentin Rongier in central defense! Of course, the midfielder can, once again, embody a defensive solution to this clash. Especially since the former Nantes player had been excellent in this role. However, is this option tenable with the return of Kylian Mbapp for PSG? In depth, the threat will be significant this time for OM, especially without Mbemba to bring his speed. It’s up to Tudor to find the right formula…
What do you think of this situation for Olympique de Marseille before the Clasico against Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1? Do not hesitate to react and discuss in the area add a comment …
