Metz Boosted by Ngbakoto Return Ahead of Evian Clash
By BBC News Staff
Ligue 1 side FC Metz will welcome back attacking midfielder Yeni Ngbakoto for their trip to face Evian Thonon Gaillard this Saturday, following his one-match suspension.
Ngbakoto, who was sent off during Metz’s encounter with Guingamp, missed last weekend’s fixture against Reims due to an automatic suspension. His return adds firepower to the Metz attack as they prepare for a challenging away match in Annecy, scheduled for an 8 p.m. kick-off.
However, the squad continues to grapple with injury setbacks. Goalkeeper Johann Carrasso remains sidelined with a right quadriceps strain, while midfielder Romain Rocchi is recovering from a left ankle injury. Striker Kwame N’Sor also remains unavailable due to a right knee issue. All three will miss the weekend clash.
Despite these absences, Metz head coach Albert Cartier has named a 19-man squad, bolstered by a mix of experience and young talent. In goal, Guy Roland Ndy Assembe’s understudies David Oberhauser and Jonathan Mfa Mezui are both included. The defensive line features Gaëtan Bussmann, Sylvain Marchal, and Argentine centre-back Guido Milan, supported by the likes of Bouna Sarr and Romain Métanire.
In midfield, Metz can count on veteran presence with Florent Malouda and Ricardo Faty N’Daw, alongside Georges Mandjeck and Chris Philipps Doukouré. Returning Ngbakoto is joined in attack by Juan Falcon, Modibo Maïga, and Spanish striker Sebastian Andrada.
Currently battling to maintain form in the top flight, Metz will be eager to secure points away from home, especially with Ngbakoto back in contention. His creativity and goal-scoring potential will be vital as the team looks to recover from recent setbacks and climb the Ligue 1 table.
Metz squad to face Evian Thonon Gaillard:
Mfa Mezui, Oberhauser – Bussmann, Choplin, Marchal, Métanire, Milan, Palomino – C. Doukouré, Kashi, Krivets, Malouda, N’Daw, Ngbakoto, Sarr – Andrada, Falcon, Maïga.
Kick-off at Parc des Sports, Annecy, is set for 8 p.m. local time on Saturday.
