Marseille’s difficult start to the season briefly gave way to a more encouraging sight on Wednesday: Igor Paixao was back on the training pitch, moving freely after his early exit against Paris Saint-Germain.
Key takeaways
- Igor Paixao returned to group training with Marseille on Wednesday.
- The Brazilian winger had been substituted in the 30th minute of Sunday’s 2-1 Classique defeat to PSG.
- He had suffered a blow near the head of the fibula and was due to undergo tests on Tuesday.
- Paixao had already featured in a training match against Marseille’s Pro 2 reserve side on Tuesday.
- OM sit 17th in Ligue 1 after losing four of their opening five matches.
Paixao offers Marseille a timely lift
Paixao’s presence in Wednesday’s session brought reassuring signs for Marseille during the international break. The Brazilian appeared comfortable in his movements and showed no obvious discomfort as he trained alongside team-mates who had not joined their national squads.
The winger had been forced off during the first half of Sunday’s home loss to PSG, with Marseille trailing in the Classique. He made way after half an hour following the impact to his leg, prompting concern over a possible absence at a time when the club need solutions.
His return to the grass came after Tuesday’s planned medical examinations and his involvement in the reserve-team match. Wednesday’s images suggested that the issue has not prevented him from resuming work with the senior group.
Genesio seeks momentum during the break
Bruno Genesio and his players used the midweek session to inject some lightness into a tense opening to the campaign, with playful training exercises accompanying the work on the pitch.
There remains little room for comfort in Marseille’s league position. Four defeats from five Ligue 1 fixtures have left OM 17th, but Paixao’s rapid return provides a welcome positive as the squad attempts to reset before domestic action resumes.
