Marseille looking for Azpi replacement

Leaders Olympique Marseille are searching for someone who can fill the void left by Cesar Azpilicueta after the right-back was ruled out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury.

Tomorrow, Didier Deschamps’ men travel to 16th-placed Nice on 26 points from 15 games and with a one-point lead at the top of Ligue 1 after a goalless draw at home to Rennes on Wednesday.

After a lacklustre start to their season, champions Marseille are now enjoying a good run of form. They top the standings in Ligue 1, are through to the semi-finals of the League Cup and have qualified for the Champions league last 16 for the first time in eleven years.

But the long-term absence of the young Spaniard could break that momentum.

“We could hire someone immediately or take a risk and wait

until the January transfer window”, Deschamps told the press.

Since his 7 million euro move from Osasuna in the summer, “Azpi” had become one of the main architects of Marseille’s successes having started 12 league matches this season as well

as four games in Europe.

But the 21-year-old ruptured cruciate ligaments in his

left knee a week ago during Marseille’s 4-0 demolition of fellow title contenders Montpellier. According to reports, Marseille have shortlisted Rennes‘ Rod Fanni for his replacement. Fanni, 28, is an experienced Ligue 1 player and received his first call-up for France in October 2008.

“He is an interesting player”, sporting director Jose Anigo told the club‘s website (www.om.net). “He has the right profile, he is an international, he plays in France and he can play at different positions.”

Elsewhere second-placed Lille host Lorient today, while Brest, third on goal difference and one point shy of the top, face Paris Saint Germain at the Parc des Princes tomorrow.

Promoted Brest are brimming with confidence after a 4-1 thrashing of RC Lens on Tuesday in which Bruno Grougi scored twice and was involved in his team’s two other goals. The

in-form striker helped Brest end a three-match winless streak.
Source:punchng