Guela Doué
STRCote d’Ivoire
Right
Oct 17, 2002
23
6'2"
185 lb
RB
CB
Possession Builder
StrasbourgStarting after illness
Doue (illness) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Angers.
Analysis: Doue was not cleared of his illness, but is still an option Sunday, hopefully not returning too soon this time. He reclaims his role at right-back as he continues to be one of their more influential players in the defense when fit, likely to remain the starting right-back if he keeps fit.
Rushed return backfires
Doue (illness) will not be available for Sunday's clash against Angers after coach Gary O'Neil admitted his return for Thursday's Conference League second leg against Rayo Vallecano had been premature, according to Cyril Olives-Berthet of L'Equipe. "We precipitated the returns of Barco and Doue. They will not be able to play Sunday."
Analysis: Doue had been rushed back for the European fixture despite not being fully ready, and the toll of that decision has ruled him out of the weekend clash. The right-back will now need additional recovery time before being considered for Strasbourg's remaining fixtures, with the club learning a costly lesson about managing players back from illness too quickly. Abdoul Ouattara is expected to hold a larger role for Racing until he returns.
Trains in full, option for Rayo
Doue (illness) was spotted training in full Tuesday and is an option for Thursday's Conference League second leg against Rayo Vallecano, the club posted.
Analysis: Doue had missed Sunday's clash against Toulouse as he continued to manage the illness that has kept him out for several weeks, but his return to full training is the clearest sign yet that he is ready to contribute again. The right-back's availability is a timely boost for Strasbourg heading into one of the most important nights in the club's recent history, with coach Gary O'Neil now set to have another key defensive option available for the high-stakes second leg against Rayo.
Out against Toulouse
Doue (illness) will miss Sunday's clash against Toulouse but is hoping to return for Thursday's Conference League second leg against Rayo Vallecano, according to coach Gary O'Neil, per ICI Alsace.
Analysis: Doue completed some exercises Saturday but was unable to participate in the full training session, suggesting he has not yet fully recovered from the illness. The right-back's absence now stretches across multiple fixtures, with Abdoul Ouattara among the options to continue covering on the right side of the defense against Toulouse. His potential return for Thursday's European fixture would be a welcome boost for Strasbourg heading into a high-stakes second leg.
Doesn't travel for Rayo match
Doue (illness) has not traveled and will not play Thursday against Rayo Vallecano, according to manager Gary O'Neil, per ICI Alsace. "Guela did not make the trip. But he will play in the return match."
Analysis: Doue is not yet fit for play and will remain out for the opening leg of their semifinal against Rayo Vallecano, as he has not yet recovered from an illness. This is rough for the club, as they do without a starting right-back for a highly important match, leaving Junior Mwanag or Abdoul Ouattara to start. The good news is Doue is expected back for the reverse leg and possibly when facing Toulouse on Sunday.
Remains doubtful Thursday
Doue (illness) is set to rejoin the Strasbourg team training this week after being sidelined since mid-April with a virus that came with complications, though his availability for Thursday's Conference League semifinal first leg against Rayo Vallecano in Madrid remains uncertain, according to coach Gary O'Neil, per Dernieres Nouvelles d'Alsace. "He caught a virus with some complications. He has started working physically on his own these last few days. He should rejoin the group this week and I will decide, in agreement with the medical staff, whether he comes with us Thursday to Madrid or whether we preserve him for the weekend. We will not take any risks, a football match is not more important than his health. We miss him, that's for sure."
Analysis: Doue has missed the last two matches since falling ill just before the Conference League quarterfinal return leg against Mainz on April 16, making his return to the squad a welcome development for Strasbourg heading into one of the most important weeks in the club's recent history. Manager O'Neil and the medical staff will make a final call on whether he travels to Madrid for the semi or is preserved for the weekend fixture, with the club prioritizing his long-term health over rushing him back too soon.
Remains out
Doue (illness) will miss Sunday's clash against Lorient, according to coach Gary O'Neil, per Alsasports.
Analysis: Doue's absence now extends beyond the initial expectation of a return for the Coupe de France semifinal against Nice, which represented a key target date during his recovery from the virus. The right-back has now missed multiple matches due to the illness, making his continued unavailability a growing concern for Strasbourg as they navigate a demanding schedule. Amadou Cisse is expected to continue filling in at right-back in his absence, though Doue's prolonged spell on the sidelines underlines the difficulty he has had shaking the illness. No new return timeline has been provided, leaving his availability for upcoming fixtures uncertain.
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