Monaco's Folarin Balogun to return against Benfica?

Today at 12:35 PM

AS Monaco’s Folarin Balogun (23) has been out of action ever since suffering a dislocated shoulder during the win over Stade Rennais at the start of October. He was expected to miss two months of competition – at least – however, he has made a swift recovery and has now been training with the first-team squad – on and off – for several weeks already. 

The former Arsenal forward could now be fit to make his return when Monaco take on Benfica in the UEFA Champions League on Wendesday, although Adi Hütter refused to be drawn on Balogun’s involvement in the encounter. 

“We will see if he comes back tomorrow (Wednesday, against Benfica) or against Olympique de Marseille on Sunday. He is back on track. He needs game time. He has been back in practice (fully) in the last couple of days and he looks really good. The next step for him is to play but he’s looking good and we’re happy that he is back,” said Hütter in a press conference, attended by Get French Football News.

If Balogun doesn’t play against Benfica, then it at least seems as though he won’t have to wait much longer to make his return to the Monaco first team. 

Diatta out, Diop and Coulibaly nearing Monaco returns

Krépin Diatta, who missed Friday’s win over Stade Brestois (3-2) with an adductor injury was absent from first-team training on Tuesday morning and is definitely out, as Hütter confirmed. Edan Diop and Mamadou Coulibaly are both recovering from lengthy lay-offs and will not be available for selection. Both are nearing returns with the former involved in first-team training on Tuesday.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle – reporting from Monaco