Chrislain Matsima
FCA
CB
Controlled Centre Back
May 15, 2002 (24)
Right
6'4"
179 lb
AugsburgMakes starting XI
Matsima (groin) is in the starting lineup for Saturday's friendly against Sassuolo, according to the club.
Analysis: Matsima had recently returned to the matchday squad as a bench option following an adductor injury suffered in late July, and his move into the starting XI now marks a significant step forward in his recovery. Getting valuable minutes here is important for his push to be ready for the DFB Pokal opener against Cottbus on August 22 and the Bundesliga opener against Schalke 04 on August 30.
Listed on bench
Matsima (groin) was listed on the bench for Wednesday's friendly match against SC Schwaz.
Analysis: Seeing Matsima on the bench is a positive sign after he suffered an adductor injury in late July. Augsburg have two more friendlies, against Sassuolo and Leeds on Aug. 8 and Aug. 15, respectively, before their competitive debut against Cottbus on Aug. 22 in the DFB Pokal. Seeing action in either of those games will be pivotal for Matsima if he wants to be an option for the Bundesliga opener against Schalke 04 on Sunday, Aug. 30.
Suffers adductor injury
Matsima is dealing with an adductor injury, according to manager Manuel Baum, per Augsburger Allgemeine. "Theoretically, they could all play today, but we will not take any risk."
Analysis: Matsima is dealing with some injuries, although it only appears to be minor, as the defender has been rested due to some groin issues. After an injury-filled 2025/26 campaign, he will hope this issue is contained to the pre-season and that he is fit for the start of the season. With his current trend, that seems to be the likely situation, giving the club a starting defender to begin the season if all comes to fruition.
Back available Saturday
Matsima (thigh) is available for Saturday's clash against Frankfurt, according to coach Manuel Baum. "We have the full squad available, all players are fully operational!"
Analysis: Matsima's return is a welcome development after a three-and-a-half-month absence following a tendon tear in his thigh sustained shortly after the new year. The French center-back had already logged some minutes with the U23 side as part of his rehabilitation, and a bench role against Frankfurt remains the most likely scenario as the club manages his return carefully. His availability nonetheless gives coach Manuel Baum additional options in the defensive unit heading into the weekend.
Likely to return against Frankfurt
Matsima (thigh) completed his rehabilitation and returned to full team training, with coach Manuel Baum confirming he could be a candidate for the matchday squad for Saturday's clash against Frankfurt, according to Augsburger Allgemeine.
Analysis: Matsima suffered a tendon tear in his thigh shortly after the new year and has been sidelined for three and a half months, making his return to the training pitch a significant milestone for both player and club. The French center-back already got some minutes under his belt with the U23 side last weekend, and a bench role against Frankfurt looks the most likely scenario as the club eases him back carefully after such a lengthy absence.
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