Amine Gouiri’s absence from Olympique de Marseille’s 3-2 victory over Toulouse on Sunday evening sparked considerable discussion following the match.
However, coach Roberto De Zerbi offered positive news regarding the striker’s condition, reassuring fans that the Algerian international would soon rejoin the squad.
Gouiri, who was notably missing from the team sheet for the Ligue 1 clash, has been dealing with physical fatigue after a demanding run of matches.
De Zerbi explained the reason behind Gouiri’s absence, noting, “Amine has played a lot recently, against Paris, then twice for the national team, then against Reims.” The Italian coach cited physical overload as the primary cause for his decision to rest the forward.
De Zerbi further clarified that Gouiri had been advised to take a short break of “seven to ten days” to recover fully, with a return to training scheduled for Tuesday.
“We hope to have him on Saturday in Monaco,” De Zerbi said, expressing optimism ahead of Marseille’s crucial away trip to the Stade Louis-II to face AS Monaco.
This cautious approach reflects De Zerbi’s intention to protect an integral part of Marseille’s attacking lineup.
Gouiri has been heavily involved in high-intensity fixtures recently, including several appearances for Algeria during the international break.
Recognizing the physical demands of such a schedule, De Zerbi’s management strategy aims to ensure Gouiri returns to full fitness without risking further strain.
The return of Gouiri is particularly significant as Marseille prepares for a vital match against AS Monaco, who are currently third in the league and direct competitors in the battle for European football.
Gouiri’s availability could prove crucial in Marseille’s bid to secure a top-four finish.
While it remains unclear whether he will start or come on as a substitute, De Zerbi’s optimism suggests that the forward will play an important role in the upcoming fixture.
Marseille supporters will be hoping that Gouiri’s return will provide a much-needed boost to their attacking options as the season enters its crucial final stretch.
