OM : Around the world with internationals before Ligue 1’s fiery return

Ligue 1 resumes on Friday, and the Vélodrome is already expecting a reaction after a calamitous start (two defeats at Rennes and Lyon, a setback against Paris FC). Hosting Lorient is shaping up to be an early turning point. But before they reunite in the Marseille shirt, ten players are still away with their national teams.

Europe under pressure: Højbjerg, O’Riley and Pavard

In Denmark, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Matt O’Riley know they can’t afford any more slip-ups. A draw against Scotland (0-0), and the trip to Greece already looks like a final. A 2026 World Cup berth is on the line, and OM are keeping a close eye on the condition of their two midfielders.

Benjamin Pavard, for his part, joined the French squad at the last minute after William Saliba withdrew. No minutes against Ukraine (0-2), but he’s hoping to get some game time against Iceland at the Parc des Princes. De Zerbi mainly hopes to get him back unscathed.

Africa in battle mode: Aguerd, Aubameyang, Gouiri

Nayef Aguerd can already breathe easy. Morocco are qualified after a 5-0 win over Niger, with an assist for the Marseille defender. Mission accomplished: now it’s on to AFCON, hosted on home soil this winter.

For Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the moment of truth is approaching. Gabon face Ivory Coast in Franceville. A win would send the Panthers top of the group, within touching distance of a World Cup berth.

Amine Gouiri and Algeria, for their part, are sitting much more comfortably. Already clear leaders, the Desert Foxes could clinch qualification as early as Monday night in Guinea.

South America and Concacaf: Rulli, Balerdi, Murillo

No pressure with Argentina: qualified since March, the Albiceleste are already preparing to defend their title. Gerónimo Rulli and Leonardo Balerdi hope to pick up a few minutes on the trip to Ecuador, although the long journey could complicate their return in time for Lorient.

In Concacaf, Amir Murillo is on a mission with Panama. A do-or-die match against Guatemala to stay in the hunt in a group where only the winner goes directly to the World Cup.

Weah, scare already over

As for Timothy Weah, it was more of a scare than anything. Taken off against South Korea, the new Marseille man should go again against Japan. De Zerbi breathes a sigh of relief, and so do the fans.

OM will get their internationals back tired, but potentially buoyed by their campaigns. On Friday, no more excuses: the whole lot will have to turn into warriors at the Vélodrome.