Central African midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia ruled out for several weeks

Geoffrey Kondogbia is expected to miss several weeks after suffering a thigh injury during Marseille’s 2-0 defeat away to Monaco, according to La Provence.

The 33-year-old Central African midfielder was forced to leave the match with an injury that now threatens to keep him out of action for a number of weeks.

Kondogbia had featured in only two Ligue 1 matches since the beginning of the season before suffering the setback. His absence is another problem for Marseille coach Bruno Genesio, who will now have to find an alternative option in midfield.

The injury is particularly significant because of Kondogbia’s versatility. Although his main role is in midfield, he had also provided Marseille with an option in central defence during the opening part of the season.

That ability to operate in more than one position had made the experienced midfielder a useful part of Genesio’s plans.

Marseille now face the prospect of being without that flexibility for several weeks. With the squad already limited in midfield, Kondogbia’s injury reduces the options available to the coach at a time when he needs alternatives in the position.

His absence means Genesio will have to consider other solutions in the centre of the team while the midfielder works his way back from the thigh problem.

Kondogbia’s injury came during Marseille’s trip to Monaco, where the home side secured a 2-0 victory. The setback adds to the disappointment of the result for the visitors and leaves them facing another selection issue.

The Central African international had made a limited number of Ligue 1 appearances before the injury, but his ability to contribute in both midfield and central defence had given Marseille additional tactical options.

That versatility will now be unavailable while he remains on the sidelines.

The length of Kondogbia’s absence is expected to stretch to several weeks, leaving Marseille to manage without one of their experienced players during that period.

For Genesio, the immediate task will be finding a suitable replacement in midfield while also addressing the loss of a player who could provide cover in defence.

With options already limited in the area, Marseille will need to find another solution as Kondogbia begins his recovery.

The midfielder’s return will depend on his recovery from the thigh injury, but for now, Marseille must prepare to continue without him for several weeks.