Olympique de Marseille’s defensive options aren’t plentiful and within this context, Chancel Mbemba, who has only recently resumed first-team training, could make a rushed return against Benfica in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.
The centre-back suffered a knee contusion against Paris Saint-Germain at the end of March that, whilst not serious, was painful for Mbemba. He had an individual session on Monday before involving himself in a collective session on Tuesday. Mbemba will continue to be monitored by Marseile’s staff ahead of the match, but with Bamo Meïté, Jonathan Clauss, Ulisses Garcia (unregistered) and Michael Murillo all out, there is a chance that the Congolese defender starts.
Options aren’t plentiful in midfield either. Pape Gueye and Jean Onana are unregistered, whilst Valentin Rongier is still absent too. Up front, Ismaïla Sarr is out and may not return before the end of the month.
Marseille likely lineup v Benfica
Pau Lopez; Quentin Merlin, Samuel Gigot, Leonardo Balerdi, Chancel Mbemba; Azzedine Ounahi, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Jordan Veretout; Amine Harit; Iliman Ndiaye, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
