Folarin Balogun, Matthis Abline, and Ansu Fati absent from AS Monaco training | OneFootball

Folarin Balogun was one of three key players absent from AS Monaco’s first-team training session ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Europa Conference League game against Górnik Zabrze. 

The USMNT forward was absent from Wednesday afternoon’s training session in La Turbie, attended by Get French Football. Heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, Filipe Luís said that the striker’s absence was not the result of an impending departure. “He just started his pre-season. He came back late from the World Cup, and is also recovering from some issues that he had in the World Cup,” began the new Monaco manager in a press conference attended by GFFN. 

He continued, “He couldn’t train much yet. He’s probably going to start training with the group this week. I hope we can have him soon, because, of course, he’s an important player.” Balogun wasn’t the only absentee. Matthis Abline also missed training, but could be seen walking around the pitch for an individual session towards the end of the 15 minutes open to the press. The former FC Nantes striker sustained a knock against Coventry City and feels pain in his foot. Ansu Fati was also absent and is not expected to be fit for the start of the Ligue 1 season.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle – reporting from Monaco