Folarin Balogun back in Monaco squad, Mika Biereth left out for Lens visit | OneFootball

Folarin Balogun has been named in Monaco’s 21-man squad to face Lens at Stade Louis-II on Friday at 20:45, despite not playing a minute this season. The United States international is likely to begin on the bench.

According to Nice-Matin, head coach Filipe Luis said on Wednesday that Balogun was feeling physically better and could be selected for the fifth round of Ligue 1, adding it would come down to his decision.

He returned late from the World Cup and was hampered by a knock, so had not even made a matchday squad until now. This is his first call-up, the final game before the international break from 21 September to six October.

Mohammed Salisu and Takumi Minamino are also back after cruciate ligament ruptures. Salisu was in the squad for the trip to Paris, a 2-1 win on four September, and Minamino for the 1-1 draw at Strasbourg on 12 September.

A notable absentee is Mika Biereth. Seldom used and with one start this season, the Dane is omitted as Luis opts for Balogun, and he appears to have fallen down the pecking order.

Ansu Fati remains short and is still out as he continues to recover from a calf injury, with the length of his lay-off drawing attention. He took part at the start of Wednesday’s open session and his coach hopes to see him back after the break.

Coulibaly, Teze, Idumbo and Soubeir are injured, and the match will be shown on Ligue 1 +.

Source: Nice-Matin

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