AS Monaco have a shortage of defenders ahead of their Ligue 1 fixture against FC Metz on Sunday. Adi Hütter is already without Mohammed Salisu and Caio Henrique, whilst Guillermo Maripán and Vanderson are doubtful for the tie. Soungoutou Magassa and Denis Zakaria are also suspended.
Monaco have deployed a back three so far this season, but a defensive shortage could change that against Metz. It was known before the international break that Zakaria and Magassa, both midfielders by trade, who have filled in in defence this season, would be suspended. However, Vanderson was also injured before heading off for international duty with Brazil. Maripán did go on international duty with Chile, but suffered an injury, prompting an early return to the Côte d’Azur.
The options are therefore limited for Hütter. Wilfried Singo, Chrislain Matsima and Ismaël Jakobs are the only recognised defenders certain to be available on Sunday. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, attended by Get French Football News, Hütter said that he “hopes” that Maripán and Vanderson will be available. The former did gym work on Friday.
Given the injury headache in defence, Hütter said that different systems are being tried in training ahead of the match against Metz, and he admitted that some players may play in new positions.
