Marseille Injury Crisis Deepens Ahead of Newcastle Clash

Marseille injury crisis is worsening as the Ligue 1 side faces a crucial Champions League match against Newcastle United. As the stakes rise, Marseille’s defensive woes have mounted with the confirmed absence of Nayef Aguerd due to a stubborn pubalgia issue and a setback for Facundo Medina, who has suffered a relapse of his ankle injury. These problems threaten to derail the club’s European hopes at a pivotal point in their campaign.

Aguerd Sidelined: A Major Blow to Marseille’s Defence

Marseille’s injury crisis intensified as the club officially announced that Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd will not feature against Newcastle. Aguerd has been battling persistent groin pain for weeks, and after missing the 5-1 victory over Nice, medical staff now recommend a complete rest period, especially with the Africa Cup of Nations approaching. Despite a brief stint with the Moroccan national squad earlier this month, Aguerd’s discomfort forced him to withdraw from friendlies and begin a minimum two-week recovery. Privately, the defender admitted he could no longer play through the pain, leading both Marseille and Morocco to take a cautious approach.

The loss of Aguerd comes at a time when Marseille desperately needs defensive solidity, with European qualification on the line. His absence will stretch the club’s backline resources, forcing head coach Roberto De Zerbi to reconfigure his defensive options during the most demanding phase of the season.

Facundo Medina’s Relapse Adds to Marseille Injury Crisis

The Marseille injury crisis is compounded by the news that Argentine centre-back Facundo Medina, who had only recently started his rehabilitation from a right ankle sprain, has suffered a fresh setback. De Zerbi confirmed, “Medina has had a relapse. He should be out for another month. He is difficult to replace, both because of his character and his physical attributes.” Medina’s leadership and ability to carry the ball out from defence have been central to Marseille’s style, but ongoing ankle problems—having initially hurt his other ankle in August—have disrupted his season and Marseille’s plans.

The continuous absence of Medina and Aguerd means De Zerbi may have to lean heavily on alternatives such as Benjamin Pavard, CJ Egan-Riley, and Leonardo Balerdi. With the Champions League fixture list intensifying, this defensive reshuffling is far from ideal.

Long-term Absentees Deplete Attacking Options

Adding to the Marseille injury crisis, the club remains without two key attacking players: Amine Gouiri and Hamed Junior Traore. Gouiri has been sidelined since October after undergoing surgery on a dislocated right shoulder aggravated during Algeria’s international duty. Though Gouiri’s rehabilitation at Aspetar is progressing, he is unlikely to return before January 2026. His absence has left a void in linking play and providing creativity in the final third.

Similarly, Hamed Junior Traore continues to struggle with a persistent thigh problem. Despite resuming light training, ongoing pain has hindered his return. De Zerbi candidly revealed, “Things are not progressing well,” and the club recently reassigned a physiotherapist due to mishandled rehabilitation.

De Zerbi Forced to Rethink Tactics Amid Injury Chaos

With the Marseille injury crisis affecting both defence and attack, Roberto De Zerbi has been forced to shuffle his lineup. Timothy Weah and Mason Greenwood have become essential, rotating across multiple positions to fill the gaps. Weah’s flexibility, offering cover both as a winger and a wing-back, has been integral in maintaining attacking impetus and squad balance.

Marseille’s collective strength was on display in the recent win over Nice, but the Champions League brings added pressure and intensity. De Zerbi must rely on tactical adaptability and the depth of his squad when facing Newcastle, knowing that the smallest margin could decide their European fate.

Stade Velodrome Braces for Decisive Clash

The home crowd at Stade Velodrome will play a vital role as Marseille injury crisis continues to dominate the headlines. Despite adversity, Marseille must summon the same determination and organization shown in Ligue 1 to stand a chance against a formidable Newcastle side. Every player’s contribution will be critical as De Zerbi seeks to navigate this storm.

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Opinion: Can Marseille Weather the Storm?

Given the scale of the Marseille injury crisis, De Zerbi’s tactical ingenuity and the squad’s collective spirit will be tested to the limit against Newcastle. If Marseille can maintain their recent form and adapt effectively, even with a depleted squad, they still have a fighting chance to keep their Champions League hopes alive. However, overcoming such a run of key injuries demands not just resilience, but near-flawless execution on and off the pitch.