Senegal star Lamine Camara set to start for Monaco against PSG after failed Chelsea move

Senegal international Lamine Camara is expected to start for AS Monaco when they face Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes on Friday night, just days after his proposed move to Chelsea fell through.

The 22-year-old midfielder was heavily linked with a transfer to the Premier League giants, but the deal collapsed before the transfer could be completed. Despite the disappointment surrounding the failed move, Monaco head coach Filipe Luís has indicated that Camara remains fully involved in his plans and is likely to feature from the start against PSG.

Camara is expected to line up alongside Denis Zakaria in Monaco’s familiar double-pivot midfield. His inclusion will provide the Principality club with energy, ball-winning ability and technical quality as they prepare for a difficult encounter against the reigning French champions.

Speaking after the collapse of Camara’s proposed transfer to Chelsea, Filipe Luís confirmed that the Senegalese midfielder would play against PSG, making it clear that the failed move would not affect his immediate involvement with Monaco.

The midfielder could therefore find himself at the centre of attention at the Parc des Princes, with his future having dominated headlines in the days leading up to the fixture.

Aleksandr Golovin is also expected to retain his place in the starting XI despite continued speculation surrounding his future. The Russian is likely to operate in the No.10 position, with Stanis Idumbo and Mamadou Coulibaly completing the attacking midfield line.

Paris Brunner is expected to lead Monaco’s attack after his impressive performance against Olympique de Marseille last weekend, when he scored twice.

The German forward is set to continue in the No.9 role as Monaco deal with a number of absences. Folarin Balogun has not yet recovered his full fitness, while Mohammed Salisu and Ansu Fati are also unavailable for the Principality club.

Monaco will face a major test against PSG, but Filipe Luís appears ready to trust his experienced and in-form players, with Camara set to play a key role in midfield.

Monaco’s likely XI vs PSG: Lukas Hradecky; Nazinho, Eric Dier, Sadibou Sané, Vanderson; Lamine Camara, Denis Zakaria; Stanis Idumbo, Aleksandr Golovin, Mamadou Coulibaly; Paris Brunner.