Miserable start for Marseille
Sunday, August 6, 2006
Article summary
Olympique Marseille coach Albert Emon has suffered a disappointing weekend after losing Mathieu Valbuena to injury and then seeing his side frustrated.
Article body
Olympique Marseille coach Albert Emon has suffered a disappointing weekend after losing new signing Mathieu Valbuena for two months and then seeing his side frustrated in their Ligue 1 opener.
New arrival
The 21-year-old Valbuena had only joined the club in the summer from FC Libourne-Saint-Seurin but the midfielder broke his ankle in training on Saturday. Marseille expect him to be out of action until October. The club, who are already without long-term injury victim Djibril Cissé, are preparing for their UEFA Cup second qualifying round tie against BSC Young Boys, with the first leg in Marseille on Thursday.
Low-key draw
Marseille warmed up for that contest with a 0-0 draw at newly-promoted CS Sedan-Ardennes on Sunday. The Provence side were without midfielder Franck Ribéry, who has reportedly said he wants to leave the club after a successful FIFA World Cup with France. Sedan, back in the top flight after three seasons in Ligue 2, had the best chance in a low-key game when striker Masour Boutabout hit the woodwork on 20 minutes.
