Metz depleted for Toulouse, Boubacar Traoré out until after international break | OneFootball

Metz host Toulouse on Sunday at 17:15, short of options, with Boubacar Traoré sidelined and several attackers doubtful. The Ligue 1 bottom club must tighten up after a bruising week.

According to L'Équipe, Tavenot will be without Traoré until after the international break because of a calf problem. The midfielder went off at half-time in the 3-0 defeat at Lens.

Metz have not won since matchday 12, a 2-1 win over Nice on 9 November, a run of 13 without victory. Last weekend’s 3-0 loss in Artois deepened the malaise.

Forwards Giorgi Kvilitaia and Habib Diallo have ankle knocks and are doubts for the weekend. Tavenot said the concern was lower for Diallo and did not rule out starting 18-year-old Nathan Mbala.

The coach admitted he was deeply disappointed at Lens, contrasting it with the 1-0 defeat to Brest on 1 March when he felt his side dominated. He said he must find the key to win again.

Right-back Maxime Colin said the squad are hurting but he still has hope, even if he knows it is very complicated. Tavenot, still chasing his first win of the season, said the answer must come on the pitch, urged his players not to hide and spoke of mental fatigue and costly individual errors, while hoping for a spark against Toulouse.

Source: L'Équipe