Olympique de Marseille will welcome the return of Faris Moumbagna ahead of their decisive Ligue 1 encounter against Le Havre on Saturday, as the club continues its fight for a coveted Champions League spot.
The Cameroonian striker, sidelined since August 17 due to injury sustained on the opening day of the league campaign, has been named in Roberto De Zerbi’s matchday squad for the penultimate round of the season.
His return after an eight-month absence comes at a pivotal moment, with Marseille locked in a tense battle to secure second place in the standings.
Currently sitting second in Ligue 1, Marseille have little room for error. Just two fixtures remain, and the pressure is mounting as rival clubs remain within striking distance.
De Zerbi’s men must take full control of their fate, starting with Saturday’s away match against Le Havre AC on matchday 33.
The fixture, scheduled for 7 p.m. GMT at the Stade Océane, represents a must-win for OM if they hope to hold off competition and solidify their position in Europe’s premier club competition next season.
In the build-up to the match, Marseille released their squad list, which included the unexpected but welcome name of Moumbagna.
The 23-year-old’s recovery is being viewed as a timely boost for a side that has lacked depth in its attacking options for much of the season.
Moumbagna’s absence has been keenly felt since he picked up his injury just one game into the campaign. Initially recruited to offer power and presence in the final third, his prolonged spell on the sidelines has limited his ability to make an impact at a club that has struggled for consistency in front of goal.
Now back in full training and cleared for selection, Moumbagna could play a decisive role in the final stretch of the season.
While it remains unclear whether he will start against Le Havre, his mere availability gives De Zerbi an additional option as he looks to navigate a high-stakes end to the campaign.
The return of the Cameroonian international also represents a psychological lift for the squad. After months of rehabilitation and recovery, his comeback underlines a renewed sense of belief and resilience within the Marseille camp as they chase one of the league’s most sought-after prizes.
De Zerbi has emphasised the importance of focus and execution in the final two fixtures, stressing that nothing can be taken for granted with so much still at stake.
The manager is expected to rotate strategically, balancing experience with freshness, especially given the intensity of the season’s closing matches.
As Marseille prepare to face a Le Havre side fighting to avoid relegation, the stakes are high on both ends of the table. But for OM, the mission is clear: win, and the path to the Champions League remains in their control.
With Faris Moumbagna back in contention, Marseille fans will be hoping his return can provide the spark needed to see them over the finish line.
