Marseille head coach Habib Baye has provided an update on Nayef Akrad’s recovery ahead of Sunday night’s Ligue 1 meeting with Monaco, and the news points to a cautious but clear step forward. The Moroccan defender has restarted training and will now be eased back into the squad after a spell on the sidelines.
Baye also made it clear that Marseille are still chasing a Champions League place, even if the team’s current level is not yet where it should be. He said the performance level “is still not satisfactory,” but the target remains unchanged as Marseille prepare for a key away match in the battle for European qualification.
Akrad’s return is progressing gradually
Akrad had been out of action after dealing with a sports hernia, a problem that often affects footballers because of the repeated physical strain of matches and training. French reports, including RMC Sport, said the Morocco international underwent urgent surgery in March, and his rehabilitation has continued without major setbacks.
Baye said Akrad returned to training on Friday and will rejoin the group step by step. That approach suggests Marseille want to avoid any rush, especially with the season entering a decisive phase and the defender still rebuilding match fitness.
Injury and fitness update for Marseille
Marseille’s squad situation remains mixed before the Monaco game, with several important names unavailable or not yet fully ready. Baye confirmed that Geoffrey Kondogbia will miss out because of a thigh injury, while Mason Greenwood is still in rehabilitation.
The coach also pointed to a positive sign for Leonardo Balerdi, who is close to returning to full collective training. That could help Marseille improve their defensive options at a time when every point matters in the race for Champions League qualification.
- Geoffrey Kondogbia — out with a thigh injury
- Mason Greenwood — still in rehabilitation
- Nayef Akrad — training resumed, return being managed gradually
- Leonardo Balerdi — close to full team training
High stakes against Monaco
The Marseille-Monaco clash carries major value for both clubs because the standings remain tight in the fight for a top-four place. Marseille sit fourth on 49 points, only three points ahead of Monaco, who are seventh and still firmly in the hunt.
That margin leaves little room for error, and Baye’s injury update matters because Marseille need depth and stability for a run of difficult fixtures. Akrad’s gradual comeback may not solve the team’s immediate problems, but it gives Marseille another defensive option as they try to protect their Champions League ambitions.
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