Headline: Folarin Balogun Returns to Monaco’s Squad After Injury Setback
Folarin Balogun (25) is back with his team and scoring again. The USMNT forward has returned from a knee injury sustained during the FIFA World Cup, and he also dealt with the distraction of a failed transfer to Everton on transfer deadline day.
Last season, Balogun enjoyed what many consider to be the most complete phase of his career, scoring 19 goals in 43 matches for the Principality club. His ability to link up with teammates and his work ethic off the ball also won him praise.
Due to his knee injury, Balogun missed the beginning of the season and was left out of Monaco’s UEFA Conference League roster. However, he marked his return to form with a goal in a 3-1 loss to Paris FC on Sunday. On Tuesday, he was called up to replace the injured Ansu Fati in Monaco’s Conference League squad, making him eligible to compete against Nordsjaelland on Thursday night.
At a recent press conference, Filipe Luís spoke about Balogun’s reintegration into the team:
“I think it’s important for Balogun also [to come into the Conference League squad]. He’s been training fantastically in the last couple of weeks. I can see that his form in training has improved a lot. And you all know he’s a top player. And we want to get the best of him. So in this case, I think having the Conference League, also to give minutes and get this feeling back of being a football player, a Monaco player, is going to help him regain his form, but also help the team with what we need. So this is very important for us. And it’s going to be good to see him on the pitch.”
Luís continued, expressing his satisfaction with Balogun’s return:
“For sure, what he lives, since the World Cup has not been normal for him. He’s been through a lot since the World Cup, the transfer window and everything. So sometimes some players are really fast, but sometimes players take a little bit longer. But as I said, in the last couple of weeks, he’s been fantastic in training. And of course, you can see that. You can see it. The players see it. The coach sees it. And when the players are like this, it is natural that he gets minutes to play. Of course, he’s a player who generates a lot for himself. He’s very dangerous attacking the space. He’s very strong. Shoot with both legs. Have this feeling that he wants to score goals. And yeah, it’s very good to have him back.”
