Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi spoke highly of defender Michael Amir Murillo after the club announced the extension of his contract. This positive news for Marseille and Murillo was shared during a press conference.
However, the club also announced that Murillo will be sidelined for several weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained in the previous match against Nantes. He will therefore be unavailable for the upcoming game against Lens and the high-profile match against Paris later in the month.
De Zerbi stated his happiness regarding Murillo’s contract extension, emphasizing that it was well-deserved. He acknowledged Murillo’s excellent performances this season and the collective joy at the club.
Addressing the injury, De Zerbi admitted it presents a challenge because Murillo possesses unique qualities that are difficult to replace directly, especially with a player of similar caliber. He mentioned Lirola as a possible option, though noting he isn’t a perfect match for Murillo’s role. Rongier is another possibility but is primarily a midfielder. Kondogbia, also a midfielder, is another potential option.
De Zerbi concluded by saying they need to carefully assess the situation, considering the specific demands of Murillo’s role in the defense. They will monitor his recovery and make decisions on a game-by-game basis regarding how to best manage without him.