Angers SCO vs Monaco - Radamel Falcao may not be risked by Monaco ahead of Champions League clash
Posted Friday, April 07, 2017 by PA
Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim faces a selection dilemma over Radamel Falcao as his side bid to extend their three-point gap at the top of Ligue 1 on Saturday with victory at Angers.
Falcao has been restricted to two substitute appearances since the end of February due to a hip injury and Jardim could be tempted to save the Colombia international for next week's Champions League clash in Dortmund.
"He's making progress," Jardim told a press conference on Wednesday, quoted in L'Equipe.
"For Saturday I don't know if he will be completely ready. We'll look at his condition."
Falcao, who has scored 21 goals in 28 appearances for Monaco this season, stepped off the bench for the final 10 minutes on Tuesday when Monaco secured a place in the semi-finals of the Coupe de France with a 2-1 win against Lille.
"The problem is both the physical condition and the discomfort he sometimes feels at the hip, both. But (on Wednesday) morning it was okay, it did not hurt," Jardim said.
Jardim insisted he was focused only on securing victory at Angers, which would lift his side six points clear of closest rivals Paris St Germain, who play Guingamp at home on Sunday.
"In Angers, we will make the team to try to win the match, without thinking of Dortmund," said Jardim, who admitted his players may have one eye on Tuesday night's quarter-final first leg.
"There is always a risk. We are the only French team still in the Champions League and it gives a very strong image on our players.
"I have already told them about this and I continue to tell them that the championship is important and that we must continue in this direction.
"We are three points ahead (of PSG) but they remain favourites, as they were already at the beginning of the season.
"But we know that with seven victories in eight games, that should be enough."
Monaco, chasing a fifth straight league win, bounced back from last weekend's 4-1 defeat to PSG in the final of the French League Cup to extend their run in the main domestic knock-out competition by beating Lille.
Valere Germain's first-half double was enough to secure a place in the last four and he could resume his partnership up front with Irvin Cardona if Jardim chooses not to risk Falcao.
Mid-table Angers, who have won five of their last seven league games, overpowered Monaco to win 3-0 in the corresponding fixture last season.
"It's always difficult to play against them, they are very tough, very physical, they have a very direct play and quality," Jardim added.
"We will need a good frame of mind, there will be a lot of duels and intensity."
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