Ligue 1 Hit Again by the "FIFA Virus"
The lengthy international break has taken a significant toll on Ligue 1, with nine players dealing with injuries, knocks, or physical issues ahead of the return of the French championship.
The international window had not even fully concluded when several Ligue 1 clubs were already beginning to look toward their treatment rooms with concern.
The first international break of the season, which lasted 16 days and included as many as four matches for some national teams, left at least nine players from the French championship dealing with different physical problems. The list includes injuries, knocks, and discomfort suffered while the players were away with their respective national teams.
The players affected are Ferran Torres, Senny Mayulu, Ethan Mbappé, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Derek Cornelius, Himad Abdelli, Amine Gouiri, Aleksandr Golovin, and Amadou Haïdara.
Although the French championship was not the hardest hit among Europe's five major leagues, the timing of these setbacks is concerning: competition is about to resume, and some clubs could return without important players.
Mayulu and Ethan Mbappé Among the Most Concerning Cases
One of the matches that took the biggest toll was the meeting between France U21 and Estonia.
Ethan Mbappé, who plays for Lille, was forced off after just 12 minutes following a blow to his ankle. His first start for the French U21 national team ended much earlier than expected.
Another problem arrived before halftime. Senny Mayulu, of Paris Saint-Germain, was substituted in the 41st minute after experiencing physical discomfort. Both players subsequently left the French camp and returned to their clubs.
In Mayulu's case, PSG later confirmed an injury to his left thigh that will keep him undergoing treatment for several weeks, making him one of the most significant casualties of the international break for the French championship.
Marseille Also Receives Bad News
Olympique de Marseille did not escape the so-called "FIFA Virus" either. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg experienced a muscular problem while away with Denmark, while Derek Cornelius suffered a setback during his time with Canada.
Amine Gouiri also returned with physical problems after representing Algeria.
The situation forces Marseille and the other affected clubs to reassess their international players before determining who will be available for the return of Ligue 1.
Monaco and Lens Also Get Players Back With Fitness Concerns
The list extends to other important teams in the championship. Aleksandr Golovin left the Russia camp after taking a knock to his shin, although initial reports suggested the problem was not serious.
Meanwhile, Amadou Haïdara suffered a blow to his shin while representing Mali, creating another concern for Lens ahead of the return to action.
Himad Abdelli and Ferran Torres are also among those affected, completing the list of nine Ligue 1 players who experienced some form of physical problem while away on international duty.
The real extent of the damage will now become clearer. Some players returned with only minor knocks or discomfort, while others will require more time before they can compete again for their clubs.
Nine Ligue 1 Players Return With Physical Problems
- Nine Ligue 1 players suffered injuries, knocks, or physical discomfort during the lengthy international break.
- Senny Mayulu and Ethan Mbappé were both forced off before halftime during France U21's match against Estonia.
- Paris Saint-Germain, Lille, Marseille, Monaco, and Lens are among the clubs affected ahead of the return of the championship.
