Marseille predicted XI v Benfica: Multiple OM players to play through pain, Jonathan Clauss and Ismaila Sarr out | OneFootball

Jean-Louis Gasset is not blessed with options as Olympique de Marseille host Benfica in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League tie on Thursday.

Marseille have a one-goal deficit to overturn when the Portuguese side visit the Velodrome. The tie is finely poised, however, Gasset is desperately short of options, which will force him to pick players that aren’t 100% fit. Samuel Gigot is the least fit of the players expected to start. The defender, who will captain OM on the night, has had injections to help him play through the pain. Chancel Mbemba, struggling with a knee injury, will also play injured, whilst Leonardo Balerdi, Jordan Veretout and Geoffrey Kondogbia are all not at 100% but all are expected to start.

Quentin Merlin, who left the Estadio da Luz on crutches last week, is OM’s newest absentee. He is expected to be replaced by Englishman Emran Soglo. Jonathan Clauss and Ismaila Sarr are both nearing returns, however, it is thought that neither will be fit enough to feature against Benfica.

Marseille likely lineup v Benfica

Pau Lopez; Emran Soglo, Leonardo Balerdi, Samuel Gigot, Chancel Mbemba; Azzedine Ounahi, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Jordan Veretout; Amine Harit; Iliman Ndiaye, Pierre-Emerick Auameyang. (L’Éq)

GFFN | Luke Entwistle