The lights will be on early at the Stade Louis-II on Friday, with Monaco opening Ligue 1’s fifth matchday against Lens at 20:45. Folarin Balogun is finally back in the frame for the home side, named in the Monaco squad for the first time this season after several days of expectation around his return.
Balogun returns to Monaco’s plans
The United States forward has not been selected for the forthcoming international break and could make his first competitive appearance of the campaign against Lens. His inclusion gives Filipe Luis another option in a crowded attacking department, although a place in the starting line-up appears unlikely.
- Balogun has entered Monaco’s match squad for the first time this season.
- Monaco host Lens on Friday at 20:45 in the opening fixture of Ligue 1 matchday five.
- The American striker was left out of the United States squad for the upcoming international window.
- Paris Brunner and Matthis Abline are ahead in the race to start in attack.
Balogun’s return is nevertheless a significant development for Monaco, who have been waiting to restore a forward capable of adding another profile to their front line.
Biereth left out despite full training week
The more striking call in Filipe Luis’s 21-man selection concerns Mika Biereth. The Danish striker has trained normally during the week and is not carrying an injury, but he has not been included among Monaco’s attacking choices for the Lens fixture.
It is a clear managerial decision rather than a fitness issue, with Balogun returning at the same time that Biereth is omitted. Midfielder Edan Diop, 22, is also involved for the first time this season.
Filipe Luis expected to keep his established core
Despite the changes around the forwards, Monaco’s coach is expected to retain the stable structure he has favoured from one match to the next. The side should again be built around its familiar defensive and midfield axis.
- Sadibou Sané is set to continue at centre-back after receiving a Senegal call-up.
- Eric Dier is expected to partner Sané in central defence.
- Lamine Camara and Denis Zakaria should remain Monaco’s double pivot in midfield.
Friday’s match offers Balogun a route back into the season, while Biereth faces an unexpected wait after being passed over despite being available.
