Geoffrey Kondogbia
OM
Set to miss several weeks
Kondogbia (thigh) is expected to miss several weeks with the muscular injury he sustained against Monaco, according to FC Marseille.
Analysis: Kondogbia's absence comes at a difficult time for coach Bruno Genesio, with Marseille already struggling in the matches against Monaco and Paris FC, and his physical and defensive profile already being sorely missed. Nayef Aguerd figures to be the main option to pair with Conrad Egan-Riley in central defense during his extended time out.
Suffers thigh injury
Kondogbia suffered a muscular injury to his thigh in Sunday's 2-0 loss to Monaco, according to coach Bruno Genesio, per La Minute OM. "For Kondogbia, it is a muscular injury to his thigh."
Analysis: Kondogbia was forced off in Sunday's 2-0 loss to Monaco, adding to a concerning day for Marseille after starting both of the club's opening matches, in which he posted a total of six tackles, three interceptions and five clearances. Nayef Aguerd figures to be the main option to pair with Conrad Jonathan Egan-Riley in central defense if he remains at the club as Kondogbia is ruled out for upcoming matches.
Forced off in Monaco match
Kondogbia left Sunday's 2-0 loss to Monaco due to injury, with coach Bruno Genesio saying "Kondogbia and Nnadi left the pitch due to injury", Karim Attab of Maritima Medias reports.
Analysis: Kondogbia is reportedly dealing with a muscular issue, so he's now at risk of missing future games, with the extent of his absence depending on the severity of the problem. While he hasn't been at his best in terms of overall performance, he has started in each of the first two games of the season, posting more than 40 accurate passes and multiple tackles in each of those outings. Nayef Aguerd is the main option to join Conrad Jonathan Egan-Riley in the middle of the defense if Kondogbia is ruled out of upcoming matches.
Cleared his fitness concern
Kondogbia is part of Marseille's squad for Friday's season opener against Strasbourg, the club announced.
Analysis: Kondogbia had worked in the gym rather than train with the group earlier in the week as a precaution, a decision that added to the club's list of fitness concerns heading into the opener, but his inclusion in the matchday squad now resolves that uncertainty. He's expected to be in the mix for a starting role in central defense alongside Derek Cornelius or Egan Conrad Jonathan Egan-Riley after Leonardo Balerdi was ruled out with a calf issue.
Sits out training as precaution
Kondogbia (undisclosed) worked in the gym and did not train with the group Wednesday as a precaution, according to coach Bruno Genesio. "Kondogbia worked in the gym and did not train as a precaution."
Analysis: Kondogbia's absence from the session adds another name to Marseille's list of fitness concerns just days before the season opener against Strasbourg. Should he be unavailable, Conrad Jonathan Egan-Riley could be in line to start in central defense in his place. Kondogbia is expected to be given the coming days to prove his fitness before a decision is made on his involvement. His situation will be one of several to track as Marseille finalize their defensive options for the opener.
Trains fully on first day
Kondogbia trained fully without issue on the first day of Marseille's preseason, the club posted.
Analysis: Kondogbia's clean bill of health is a welcome sign after a season plagued by muscular issues, including a thigh injury that sidelined him down the stretch. His health will be closely monitored as preseason progresses, but a smooth start bodes well for his chances of being fully available for Marseille's season opener. If he stays healthy, expect Kondogbia to regain his spot as a key piece of new coach Bruno Genesio's midfield setup.
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