Monaco’s squad depth has created a selection headache rather than a comfort blanket ahead of Saturday night’s Ligue 1 meeting with Toulouse at Stade Louis-II. With most of his players available, Filipe Luis has left several familiar names out of his group for the sixth-round fixture, which kicks off at 20:45.
Key takeaways
- Paris Brunner is unavailable through suspension for Monaco’s home match against Toulouse.
- Takumi Minamino, Mika Biereth and Mamadou Coulibaly have not been included in the matchday squad.
- Coulibaly’s adductor problem leaves Monaco with a decision to make on the right side of midfield.
- Anis Soubeir, Mathys Detourbet and Ansu Fati are among the options to fill that role.
- Folarin Balogun could start up front if Matthis Abline is moved into a wider position.
Minamino and Biereth miss out despite Pisa outing
Filipe Luis had warned on Friday that near-full availability would force difficult calls for the Toulouse match. Apart from Brunner’s suspension, Monaco have most of their group at the coach’s disposal, but that has not guaranteed a place for every senior player.
Minamino is absent after featuring in last weekend’s 2-0 friendly win over Pisa. The Japanese international is still working his way back after a serious injury, despite taking part in that match.
Biereth also played against the Italian side and scored in the victory, yet the striker has not made the squad. His recent finishing contribution was not enough to secure his place after performances that have been less convincing in open play.
Right-midfield question after Coulibaly setback
Coulibaly did not take part against Pisa because of discomfort in his adductor and is not yet fit to return. His absence alters the equation on Monaco’s right side, where Filipe Luis must now choose between several alternatives.
Soubeir is in contention, while Detourbet and Fati are also possibilities. Fati was used more centrally in the Pisa friendly, but could be considered for a wider assignment against Toulouse.
Another route would be to shift Abline away from the centre and hand Balogun the starting striker’s role. Monaco will reveal which solution Filipe Luis has chosen when they take the field on Saturday evening.
