Eric Dier, a mainstay in AS Monaco’s defence this season, is out of their UEFA Europa Conference League opener against CSKA Sofia on Thursday evening.
The Englishman didn’t travel with the squad on Wednesday. Filipe Luís confirmed that the defender had sustained a muscular injury. It remains to be seen whether it rules Dier out of the game against FC Lorient over the weekend.
He is the only absentee for Monaco. There were concerns about club captain Denis Zakaria, who has made the trip. However, he may not start. Pape Cabral could play in his place this evening. And the game in Bulgaria could also mark Ansu Fati’s first start of the season. He could start in behind the returning Paris Brunner, who missed the draw to Toulouse FC due to suspension.
Monaco likely line-up v CSKA Sofia
Lukas Hradecky; Nazinho, Christian Mawissa, Sadibou Sané, Vanderson; Pape Cabral, Lamine Camara’ Mathys Detourbet, Ansu Fati, Eden Diop; Paris Brunner. (L’Éq)