Matt O’Riley injury hands Marseille a fresh setback ahead of Lille trip

Olympique de Marseille have been hit with another significant injury blow, with midfielder Matt O’Riley sidelined just days before OM face Lille in Ligue 1 – according to a report from L’Équipe. O’Riley has reportedly been carrying a lower-leg contusion that explained his reduced game-time in recent weeks.

The Danish midfielder on loan from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion has played 11 matches so far for Roberto De Zerbi’s side. Whilst initially promising for Les Phocéens, he has seen more action on the bench in the last four matches.

Sky Sports reported last week that Marseille are preparing to open discussions with the Seagulls over a permanent deal in January for the midfielder.

“He’s a player we were following along with Medhi Benatia for a while, he’s played very well for Celtic as well as for Brighton,” said De Zerbi at a press conference attended by Get French Football News “We were already set to sign him when I was there [at Brighton], and there were big teams from the Champions League who were also trying to sign him as well.”

“He’s someone that understands football and knows how to play different positions,” added De Zerbi.

Les Olympiens now face their next test in Ligue 1 away to Lille, before travelling to Brussels to face Tony Bloom-owned club Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League next week.

GFFN | George Boxall