Bordeaux will host Olympique de Marseille this Friday in the opening match of Ligue 1’s 31st round, but the hosts will have to cope without several key players. The Bordeaux coaching staff announced the squad on Friday morning, confirming that four players will be unavailable for the clash at the Matmut Atlantique.
Most notably, Nigerian striker Samuel Kalu will miss the fixture. Sidelined since March 9th due to a hamstring injury, Kalu has not recovered in time to face Marseille and will not be part of Paulo Sousa’s squad. Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, who recently underwent fibula surgery, is also unavailable. These absences leave gaps in both the attack and midfield for the “Navy and Whites,” forcing Sousa to consider alternative options.
According to L’Équipe, Jimmy Briand and Nicolas De Préville are expected to lead the offensive line, potentially supported by young Josh Maja. The 19-year-old striker could step in for François Kamano or Yann Karamoh, offering fresh energy in Bordeaux’s forward line. With Marseille visiting, Sousa is likely to rely on a combination of experience and youth to compensate for the absences while maintaining competitive balance across the squad.
Despite recent struggles, Bordeaux enters the match with reason for optimism, particularly at home. The club has only suffered one defeat in its last nine Ligue 1 home games, a 2-1 loss to Montpellier, and has drawn three consecutive league matches: 1-1 against Monaco, 1-1 versus Rennes, and a goalless draw away to Amiens last Sunday. With a strong home record to build upon, the team will be motivated to secure their first league victory since February 17th.
The importance of the match has not been lost on the players or fans. Supporters made their expectations clear during recent training sessions at Haillan, reminding the squad that a win against Marseille is crucial. Facing one of Ligue 1’s top sides, Bordeaux knows that a strong performance could boost confidence and momentum during the critical final stretch of the season.
Paulo Sousa’s squad for the match includes a blend of experienced leaders and young talents ready to step up: Goalkeepers Costil and Poussin; defenders Sabaly, Koundé, Poundjé, Jovanovic, and Pablo; midfielders Otavio, Sankharé, Plasil, Basic, Youssouf, and Lottin; and forwards Josh Maja, Kamano, Briand, De Préville, and Karamoh. With this lineup, Bordeaux will aim to balance defensive solidity with attacking creativity, hoping to capitalize on any opportunities against a strong Marseille side.
The match presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Bordeaux. Missing key players like Kalu and Tchouaméni is a setback, but the team’s resilience at home and the potential contributions of younger players such as Josh Maja could prove decisive. For Bordeaux, the priority is clear: secure a vital three points and break the run of draws, setting the stage for a strong finish to the Ligue 1 season.
