Marseille have ‘small hope’ of Leonardo Balerdi returning before end of season | OneFootball

Withdrawn through injury during the first half of Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Stade de Reims, Leonardo Balerdi (26) underwent tests on Monday, which confirmed that he will miss several weeks.

The Olympique de Marseille captain suffered the injury in the 34th minute. Tests have confirmed that the Argentine has suffered a sprain in a ligament in his left knee. Marseille believe that they will be without the centre-back for several weeks, with just seven games remaining in the Ligue 1 season. OM currently sit third and are mired in a battle for the UEFA Champions League places.

However, Les Phocéens have a “small hope” of Balerdi returning to feature before the end of the campaign, according to a report from L’Équipe. For that to happen, the defender’s recovery from the knee injury would have to avoid any setback.

Regardless, he will miss a potentially decisive match against AS Monaco later this month. OM have a difficult end to the season, facing Stade Brestois, Lille OSC and Stade Rennais in the final four matchdays.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle