AS Monaco are sweating over the fitness of Senegal international Lamine Camara ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League play-off clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
With the first leg scheduled for Tuesday, 17 February at the Stade Louis II, uncertainty continues to surround the availability of the Senegalese international, who is still feeling the effects of an ankle injury picked up in Ligue 1 action.
Camara was forced off during Monaco’s league encounter with FC Nantes after sustaining a knock to the ankle, and his recovery has not progressed as smoothly as hoped. Despite medical attention since then, the reigning African champion has yet to return to full fitness, casting serious doubt over his involvement against PSG.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Monaco head coach Sébastien Pocognoli admitted that Camara remains a major concern, while also revealing that two other key players are facing late fitness tests.
“Maghnes (Akliouche) is uncertain. He suffered a pelvic injury and underwent further examinations yesterday,” Pocognoli explained. “He still needs to be assessed today and again tomorrow morning, as we have another training session planned. It’s the same situation for Lamine (Camara), who took a blow to the ankle, and Ansu (Fati), who picked up a knock to the quadriceps. He was still experiencing pain yesterday.”
The update underlines the growing injury worries for Monaco as they prepare for one of their biggest matches of the season. With Maghnes Akliouche and Ansu Fati also racing against time, Pocognoli may be forced into late decisions when naming his squad.
All eyes will now be on Monaco’s final training session and last-minute medical assessments as the club hope Camara can recover in time to play a role against PSG in the high-stakes European encounter.
