Just when Folarin Balogun was starting to pay back some of the $43 million transfer fee that Monaco paid Arsenal in the summer of 2023, the USMNT forward is now out of action, potentially for the rest of 2024. 

Monaco will reportedly have to go without the Flo for at least two months due to a dislocated shoulder. Apparently, the joint cannot just be popped back in like Riggs in Lethal Weapon. 

The timing is doubly bad for the Monte Carlo outfit. Monaco are undefeated at the top of the standings, with six wins from seven. What's more, Balogun was on quite the scoring streak having found the back of the net in three Ligue 1 games in a row. To put that into some context, the American striker scored just seven Ligue 1 goals all last season.

Lille are having better luck with their in-form CONCACAF striker. Jonathan David has always been a hot and cold forward in terms of form. The Canadian is currently in a purple patch with five goals in seven Ligue 1 games this season. 

Although Lille are in fifth place, six off Monaco the season is already a sparkling one with Les Dogues having recently beaten Real Madrid in the Champions League. Lille get to do the Spanish capital city double with a run at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. That's followed by a local derby against Lens, a heavy-hitting clash with Lyon and then another Champions League challenge versus Juventus. An incredible month for Lille starts on the Med against Monaco.

Friday: Monaco vs. Lille - 2:30PM ET:  Live on beIN SPORTS