Monaco’s Folarin Balogun continues to struggle with shoulder issue ahead of Arsenal reunion

Folarin Balogun (23) suffered a dislocated shoulder against Stade Rennais at the start of October. It was a blow that was meant to rule him out for two months, however, he returned ahead of schedule, coming off the bench against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League at the end of November.

He then started against Olympique de Marseille, however, he then pulled out of training on Wednesday, just a week before a Champions League encounter with his former club, Arsenal. Balogun was then absent from first-team training on Thursday. Adi Hütter has explained the situation.

Balogun ‘frustrated’ by the setback

“Folarin received a hit on his shoulder. He couldn’t finish the training session yesterday because it was painful. He has had treatment and worked indoors today. We’ll see if he is able to play on Saturday (against Toulouse FC),” said Hütter at a press conference, attended by Get French Football News.

Hütter revealed that Balogun began feeling pain again during Sunday’s defeat to Marseille. “Against OM, he got a hit from (Leonardo) Balerdi in the first half and it was a bit painful. Yesterday (Wednesday) there was pain again in the shoulder. I hope that it reduces. It is always hard with a player when you feel you are back on track and then injury stops your run. For sure, he is frustrated about this. He worked hard in his treatment and fingers crossed that he can be back on Saturday,” said Hütter. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle – reporting from Monaco