Balogun’s Champions League Hopes in Doubt After Shoulder Injury
Benfica’s Tomas Araujo, front, and Monaco’s Folarin Balogun battle for the ball during a Champions League opening phase soccer match at the Louis II stadium in Monaco, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. Credit: AP/Laurent Cipriani
United States men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun’s availability for Monaco’s crucial Champions League showdown against his former club Arsenal next week is in question due to a recurring shoulder injury.
The 23-year-old striker was forced to sit out Monaco’s training session on Thursday after feeling pain in his shoulder.
Balogun, who joined Monaco on a permanent transfer from Arsenal last year, first sustained the injury in early October and missed three months. He returned to the pitch in late November, only to sustain another blow to the same area last week during Monaco’s 2-1 defeat against Marseille in Ligue 1.
“Yesterday he could not finish the practice because it was painful. He has had treatment and stayed indoors today,” Monaco coach Adi Hütter revealed to reporters Thursday, adding that it was uncertain whether Balogun would be fit enough to make a quick return for Monaco’s domestic match against Toulouse this weekend.
“Everybody crossed the fingers that he can be back maybe on Saturday,” Hütter stated, acknowledging the striker’s frustration at missing out on playing time following his hard work to recover from the initial injury. “He did a lot during his treatment.”
Balogun’s potential absence poses a significant setback for Monaco as they prepare to face their old enemy Arsenal. With both teams sharing 10 points in the Champions League group stage standings, a slip-up for either side could prove detrimental to their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds.
Before his recent setback, Balogun had been in good form. He scored in three consecutive games for Monaco, showcasing his potent goal-scoring prowess before being forced off the pitch with his shoulder injury during their win against Rennes in October.
The Americans might also be without their goalscoring threat for their upcoming international friendlies.
“For sure he is a bit frustrated about this because he worked hard for his comeback,”
Hütter noted, acknowledging the striker’s commitment. “He did a lot during his treatment and now he feels pain.”
Balogun was born in New York City and raised in London.
How will Monaco adapt their attacking strategy if Balogun is unable to play against Arsenal?
## Balogun’s Champions League Hopes Hanging in the Balance
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Folarin Balogun’s shoulder injury has thrown a wrench in Monaco’s Champions League plans. Joining us to discuss the situation is soccer analyst Sarah Jones. Welcome, Sarah.
**Sarah:** Thanks for having me!
**Host:** So, Balogun missed training this week. What’s the latest on his injury and how serious is it?
**Sarah:**[[1](https://apnews.com/article/soccer-balogun-injury-50ce8d316c261f692a7aa94ba9ae36b6)]Well, unfortunately, things aren’t looking great for Balogun or for Monaco. He suffered a dislocated shoulder in early October and, according to reports, will be sidelined for about two months. This news is a huge blow, especially with Monaco set to face Balogun’s former club, Arsenal, in a crucial Champions League match next week.
**Host:** That’s right. That match was already highly anticipated, and now it’s even more uncertain if Balogun will be able to feature. How big a loss would that be for Monaco?
**Sarah:** Massive. Balogun has been in fantastic form for Monaco this season. He’s a key player for their attack and his absence will definitely be felt. Arsenal will be breathing a sigh of relief, that’s for sure.
**Host:** So, what are Monaco’s options if Balogun can’t play?
**Sarah:** They’ll need to hope other players can step up. Mitoma and Ben Yedder are capable of providing attacking threat, but it won’t be easy replacing Balogun’s goalscoring prowess. Monaco might also consider bringing in a short-term replacement during the January transfer window.
**Host:** This is a tough situation for Balogun as well. Missing out on a chance to prove himself against his old club must be frustrating.
**Sarah:** Absolutely. These are the kind of matches players dream of. Balogun would undoubtedly want to be out there on the pitch, but his health needs to come first.
**Host:** Well said. Sarah, thanks for sharing your insights on this developing story. We’ll be sure to keep our viewers updated as we learn more about Balogun’s condition.
**Sarah:** You’re most welcome.
