Marseille‘s Captain Balerdi Included in Squad Despite Injury Doubt for Champions League Clash with Ajax
MARSEILLE, France – Despite concerns over his fitness, Leonardo Balerdi has been included in Olympique de Marseille’s squad for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Ajax Amsterdam at the Vélodrome (9 p.m.). The Argentinian defender did not train on Monday, casting doubt on his availability, but remains in contention for a starting role.
Marseille is coming off a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in their opening Champions League fixture two weeks ago. The team will also be without Geoffrey Kondogbia and Hamed Junior Traoré due to existing injuries. Former Ajax coach, Roberto de Zerbi, faces mounting pressure to deliver results, with former OM player Franck Di Meco stating, “De Zerbi has no more excuse.” Di Meco emphasized the club’s significant financial backing – a budget of nearly 300 million euros, almost double that of their competitors – and expects a minimum of a second-place finish in the league.
Ajax Amsterdam will be without two experienced attackers due to injury, further impacting their lineup for the match.
