Philippe Clement has a dearth of defenders but an array of attackers as AS Monaco prepare to face Bayer Leverkusen in the second leg of their Europa League tie.
Guillermo Maripán and Vanderson are ruled out of the tie. The former sustained an injury in the first leg, whilst the latter has been on the sidelines since picking up a seemingly innocuous injury against Auxerre earlier in February. Chrislain Matsima, whose loan at Ligue 1 rivals FC Lorient was cut short in order to numerically add to a defence that lost Benoît Badiashile to Chelsea, will likely fill in at right-back.
Ruben Aguilar, who wasn’t included in collective training on Wednesday, has, however, been included in the matchday squad, and could be fit to play in the match, even if only from the bench. Malang Sarr will deputise for the absent Maripán.
Clement’s options are more plentiful in attack. The Belgian coach rarely starts Breel Embolo and Wissam Ben Yedder together. The latter’s early substitution against Stade Brestois on Sunday is perhaps an indication that he is in line to start on Thursday.
Monaco likely lineup v Bayer Leverkusen
Alexander Nübel – Caio Henrique, Malang Sarr, Axel Disasi, Chrislain Matsima – Mohamed Camara, Youssouf Fofana – Aleksandr Golovin, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Krépin Diatta – Wissam Ben Yedder.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
