AS Monaco midfielder Denis Zakaria has been ruled out of action after sustaining an injury that will see him miss his side’s upcoming UEFA Champions League fixtures against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. The Swiss international picked up the setback during training earlier in the week, leaving the club short of options in the middle of the park.
Medical examinations conducted by the club’s doctors confirmed that Zakaria suffered a muscular strain, which will sideline him for several weeks. Although the injury is not considered long-term, his absence from crucial European games is seen as a major blow to Monaco’s ambitions in the competition.
The 27-year-old, who has been a key figure in Monaco’s midfield since joining from Juventus, has provided both defensive stability and attacking support. His strong presence and ability to break up play have made him indispensable, and his absence will force manager Adi Hütter to rethink his tactical setup.
Monaco are set to face Manchester City, one of the tournament’s strongest contenders, in their next outing before a difficult clash with Tottenham Hotspur. Both fixtures are considered pivotal for the French side’s hopes of progressing from the group stage. Without Zakaria, the team will rely heavily on other midfielders, including Youssouf Fofana and Mohamed Camara, to fill the void.
Club officials expressed disappointment at the timing of the injury but remained optimistic about Zakaria’s recovery. “He is an important player for us, but we are confident he will return stronger. In the meantime, the squad has enough depth to rise to the challenge,” a Monaco spokesperson said.
Supporters of the Principality club have taken to social media to wish the player a speedy recovery, with many expressing concern over how the team will cope without him against such formidable opponents. Analysts also believe Zakaria’s absence could shift the balance in Monaco’s midfield battles during the crucial ties.
As Monaco prepares for their Champions League campaign without one of their star men, the pressure is now on the remaining squad members to step up and deliver performances that can keep the team in contention for qualification to the knockout stages.
