Metz badly depleted for Coupe de France trip to Biesheim | OneFootball

Metz will be severely depleted for Saturday’s Coupe de France last 64 at Biesheim (National 2) at 15:30, with injuries, illness and Africa Cup of Nations call-ups thinning the squad.

L’Équipe reports that Stéphane Le Mignan’s side, bottom of Ligue 1 after four straight defeats, face an extensive absentee list confirmed at Thursday’s press conference.

Goalkeeper Pape Sy and forward Joseph Magondo remain out as they resume. Left-back Fodé Ballo-Touré has a muscle problem, having already missed the 2-3 loss to PSG last weekend, and centre-back Terry Yegbe suffered an ankle injury in that match.

Left-back Yanis Lawson picked up an ankle problem with the reserves and striker Brian Madjo has a minor physical issue. Centre-back Sadibou Sané and forward Joël Asoro are officially ill, and are also seen as potential winter-window departures.

Three key players are on Cup of Nations duty in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January, versatile Jean-Philippe Gbamin with Côte d’Ivoire, and forwards Habib Diallo and Cheikh Sabaly with Senegal.

There is one boost, defender Michel Mboula returns to the squad after Gabon omitted him at the last minute, although he has not played since the 0-0 draw with Le Havre on 28 September due to a hamstring injury.

Source: L'Équipe