AS Monaco’s hopes for their UEFA Champions League showdown against Arsenal have taken a major blow with the absence of key players Folarin Balogun and Denis Zakaria.
Balogun, 23, had been on the mend after dislocating his shoulder in an October clash with Stade Rennais. His return saw brief action against Benfica and a starting role against Olympique de Marseille. However, the forward aggravated the injury following a physical duel with Leonardo Balerdi. The setback ruled him out of Monaco’s weekend victory over Toulouse FC, and after missing Tuesday’s training, Balogun has been confirmed absent from the squad to face his boyhood club, Arsenal.
Zakaria adds to Monaco’s woes. The Swiss midfielder, who was penciled in to start against Toulouse, withdrew last minute with a hamstring injury. He has not returned to training, leaving coach Adi Hütter with a depleted lineup for the crucial Emirates Stadium fixture.
The injuries to Balogun and Zakaria pose a significant challenge for Monaco as they look to secure a result in Group B against Arsenal’s formidable attack.
