Marseille return from the international break with relief in two key cases, but their squad has also taken another heavy hit before Sunday’s Ligue 1 trip to Troyes. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is facing around a fortnight out with a thigh injury, while Amine Gouiri remains a doubt for the 20:45 kick-off on matchday six.
Himad Abdelli, who hurt his ankle while playing for Algeria in the 2-2 draw against Burundi, has recovered in time for the visit to Troyes. Amine Harit is also available again after picking up a problem in the 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain before the international window.
Hojbjerg setback narrows Marseille options
Hojbjerg returned to Marseille on Wednesday evening after Denmark’s final Nations League fixture. Tests carried out with his national team had already identified a thigh lesion, sustained after he suffered a strain against Wales.
Further examinations in Marseille point to an absence of approximately 15 days, although his recovery will be monitored before a definitive return date is set. The Danish midfielder could miss at least four matches: the league games against Troyes and Angers, plus European meetings with Olympiacos and Sturm Graz.
Bruno Genesio may not have the former Tottenham player back until the home match against Le Havre on 25 October, at the earliest.
Gouiri monitored after international duty
Marseille are also taking no risks with Gouiri. The forward, who has scored four Ligue 1 goals this season, came back from international duty with discomfort in his thigh.
Gouiri has not given up hope of playing at Troyes, but the Marseille staff are expected to be cautious with a demanding run of fixtures ahead.
There is better news in midfield, where Geoffrey Kondogbia is gradually returning. The Central African Republic international has resumed training with the group, offering Genesio a possible option as the squad is stretched.
Tochukwu Nnadi has also recovered from the knee injury he suffered at the start of September. By contrast, Derek Cornelius will not play again before 2027 after sustaining a hip injury while on Canada duty.
Marseille will additionally be without Timothy Weah at Troyes because of suspension, leaving Genesio to manage another selection problem in an already limited squad.
