Monaco’s Champions League Hopes Dampened by Injuries

AS Monaco’s quest to advance in the UEFA Champions League has been dealt a severe blow with two crucial players sidelined due to injuries. The team, already trailing by one goal, must now overcome Benfica in Lisbon without several key players.

Soungoutou Magassa, who sustained a facial fracture during the recent 1-0 loss to Benfica at home, will be unavailable for the upcoming matches. Manager Adi Hütter confirmed the severity of Magassa’s injury during a press briefing, noting that the young French talent was already set to miss the FC Nantes game due to concussion protocols.

Further complicating matters, Aleksandr Golovin has been ruled out with an adductor injury. His absence will be felt in both the Nantes fixture and the crucial return leg against Benfica. These injuries compound Monaco’s selection woes, as the team was already missing Denis Zakaria, Vanderson, and Moatasem Al-Musrati due to suspensions.

The mounting absences leave Monaco with a severely depleted midfield, with Lamine Camara potentially being the sole available first-team midfielder for the pivotal match in Portugal. This series of setbacks has significantly increased the challenge facing AS Monaco as they strive to keep their Champions League dreams alive.