Marseille’s training ground has become a place of counting bodies during the international break. Bruno Genesio has brought in young academy players to complete sessions at La Commanderie, with Himad Abdelli the latest concern after picking up an ankle problem while away with Algeria.
The move
Abdelli was hurt in Algeria’s 2-2 draw with Burundi on Tuesday, suffering an issue with his left ankle. No definitive decision had been made on his availability by Wednesday evening, although an early return to Marseille was being considered.
The midfielder joins a growing list of absentees for Genesio during a demanding period away from club football. Marseille are already without Canada defender Derek Cornelius until the end of the year after a serious hip injury sustained in training last week.
Amine Gouiri has also left international duty early, but his situation is less alarming. The Algeria forward returned to Marseille as a precaution after coming off before full time in Friday’s 3-1 win over Zambia. He has a minor thigh-muscle complaint and is receiving treatment, with his involvement against Troyes on 11 October not currently thought to be in danger.
Marseille’s international absences
- Himad Abdelli: left-ankle injury suffered against Burundi; an early return from Algeria duty was under consideration.
- Derek Cornelius: serious hip injury in training; ruled out until the end of the calendar year.
- Amine Gouiri: minor thigh discomfort; returned early from Algeria duty as a precaution.
- Pierre-Emile Højbjerg: away with Denmark.
- Nayef Aguerd: away with Morocco.
- Kelyann Bezahaf: with Algeria’s under-23 side.
With several senior players away or in treatment, Genesio has widened his training group with Minots from Marseille’s academy. The limited depth available to the head coach has already been a concern within the staff, and the interruption has added further pressure.
The French season around it
There was, however, one encouraging sight at La Commanderie. Tochukwu Nnadi has resumed collective training after his knee problem and is back working with the squad.
Amine Harit remains out of full team sessions while recovering from a slight muscle injury. Geoffrey Kondogbia is continuing his rehabilitation from a thigh issue, though he is expected to rejoin collective work in the coming days.
Those returns will matter quickly. Marseille are preparing for a run of eight matches in 29 days, a stretch that leaves little room for another injury setback as Genesio tries to rebuild his numbers after the international break.
