Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will host Metz on Saturday night, while Monaco is set to face Ligue 1 leaders Lens a few hours earlier. Monaco’s journey to Lens may prove challenging, as both teams face squad limitations. Between injuries and suspensions, Monaco’s head coach Sébastien Pocognoli is navigating a weakened roster.
Both teams are preparing for a crucial matchup in the Champions League return playoff at the Parc des Princes next Wednesday, making their Saturday games pivotal for momentum and squad management. PSG encounters Metz, currently at the bottom of the league table, while Monaco confronts a significantly tougher opponent in Lens, who are atop the standings.
Monaco is grappling with an extensive injury list and suspensions, with Brazilian right-back Vanderson and Russian attacking midfielder Aleksandr Golovin unable to play against Lens. While this absences allow Vanderson to recover for the upcoming PSG match, Golovin is forced to sit out after receiving a red card in the prior encounter.
Adding further complication for Monaco, Maghnes Akliouche, who had been playing through discomfort from a prior injury, missed training on Thursday and remains uncertain for Saturday’s match. Team captain Denis Zakaria is also at risk of missing the game due to previous injuries and the current congested fixture schedule. Pocognoli has stressed the importance of careful decision-making concerning player health while ensuring the team remains competitive.
On a more positive note, Pocognoli is set to welcome Thilo Kehrer back after illness, and Ansu Fati could potentially return, though he must pass a fitness test. Additionally, central defender Christian Mawissa is expected to resume training next week, though his appearance against PSG remains unclear.
Monaco, currently eighth in Ligue 1 and nine points behind the fourth-place team, recognizes the importance of climbing the standings soon while keeping the upcoming clash with PSG in mind. When asked about possible rotations for the Lens match, Pocognoli expressed his commitment to managing player well-being while maintaining performance standards. He emphasized building resilience and mental strength as part of their ongoing strategy, reflecting on the mixed emotions following their recent loss to PSG.
Despite the recent setback, Pocognoli remains optimistic, highlighting that the team’s approach to the match against PSG had many positive aspects that they can build on moving forward. The focus remains on mental recovery and adopting a positive mindset, both crucial components for a successful second half of the season.