Marseille’s Defensive Woes Intensify with Two Key Players Sidelined

Olympique de Marseille’s defensive struggles are set to escalate in the final stretch of the season. Following their recent 3-1 loss to Stade de Reims, reports indicate that team captain Leonardo Balerdi and fellow defender Luiz Felipe may be out for the remainder of the campaign due to injuries.

Balerdi, who was substituted during the match at Stade Auguste Delaune, is believed to have sustained a medial ligament sprain. This injury could potentially sideline him for several weeks, effectively ending his season. The 26-year-old defender is scheduled for medical examinations to determine the full extent of the damage.

Adding to Marseille’s concerns, Luiz Felipe is also expected to be out of action for an extended period due to a hamstring injury. This double blow leaves manager Roberto De Zerbi with a significant defensive crisis to navigate.

With these setbacks, De Zerbi is left with limited options in his defensive lineup. Derek Cornelius remains the only natural first-team center-back available, while Geoffrey Kondogbia has been filling in as part of a makeshift back three. The coaching staff has experimented with various combinations, including Quentin Merlin and Pol Lirola, but with limited success.

There are suggestions that Pierre Emile-Højbjerg could potentially step into a defensive role, having previously featured in that position during Marseille’s 1-0 defeat to Lens. As the team faces the final seven matches of the season, finding a solution to this defensive crisis will be crucial for their performance and league standing.