Igor Paixao available for OM-Paris FC after muscle scare at Monaco

Igor Paixao will indeed feature Sunday evening at the Vélodrome for OM’s home clash against Paris FC, closing out Matchday 3 of Ligue 1. The Brazilian winger, rested during the trip to Monaco due to a muscle scare, was able to “train without restriction” according to a source close to the dressing room cited by La Provence, and is pushing for a starting spot.

His availability represents major relief for Bruno Genesio, whose attack struggled to find solutions during the 2-0 defeat on the Rock. Alongside Amine Gouiri, the Algerian international signed this summer, Paixao forms OM’s primary attacking weapon. The Marseille coach will, however, have to do without Geoffrey Kondogbia and Tochukwu Nnadi, both returning injured from the Principality.

The stakes of the evening are considerable for a club showing mixed form after two matches: a heavy victory against Strasbourg (4-0) followed by a severe setback at Monaco. A win over Paris FC would allow OM to truly launch its season; another poor result would plunge it into doubt.

Paixao’s presence carries added weight given the turbulent summer he experienced. Advanced discussions with Sunderland had resulted in a preliminary agreement at the end of the transfer window, but Bruno Genesio, supported by sporting director Grégory Lorenzi, convinced president Stéphane Richard and owner Frank McCourt to keep the former Feyenoord Rotterdam striker.

Genesio has called up 21 players for this match. Goalkeepers De Lange, Vermot and Gomis are retained. Defence comprises Aguerd, Cornelius, Egan-Riley, Emerson, Garcia, Meïté and Weah. Midfield is composed of Abdelli, Höjbjerg, Kamissoko, Gomes and Harit. In attack, Gouiri, Maupay, Abdallah, Moumbagna, Mmadi and Paixao complete the squad.