De Zerbi confirms Marseille captain Balerdi return for Nice clash

Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi confirmed captain Leonardo Balerdi will be available for selection for their Ligue 1 fixture against Nice on Friday.

The 26-year-old missed Marseille’s last four matches before the international break with a calf injury, with De Zerbi’s side winning two of their games in that time.

The defender, who has made 10 appearances in all competitions for his club this season, is also fighting for a spot in Argentina’s World Cup squad next year.

He featured in seven matches during the CONMBEOL World Cup qualifying campaign, where the world champion finished nine points clear at the top of the table.

De Zerbi welcomed the return of Balerdi to the squad, but conceded injuries could prevent second-place Marseille from reaching their goals this season.

“He’s still a key player for this team, a starter and our captain,” the head coach said. “This is an important season for him, too.

“We have to be at 100% on all fronts; we want to go all the way in every competition. The only thing that worries me is the injuries. We have a strong team. When we’re at full-strength, we have a very strong team.”

Nice are currently eight points behind Marseille in ninth place, after losing their last two Ligue 1 games before the break.

They have scored just 17 goals in 12 matches so far this season, fewer than any other team in the top half of the French top-flight.