Olympique Marseille head into their Ligue 1 clash at Le Havre with a starting XI that reflects both the club's injury crisis and the fallout from a disciplinary storm surrounding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Head coach Habib Beye has confirmed that Mason Greenwood will retain his place on the right side of the attack, while Geronimo Rulli keeps goal, as OM seek to arrest a worrying slide that has yielded just one point from a possible nine.
The most significant absence is Aubameyang, who has been frozen out of the squad entirely following an incident involving a fire extinguisher. The veteran striker's exclusion is a direct consequence of his conduct behind the scenes, and Beye made it clear that the decision was a non-negotiable message about squad discipline. With several other key players also unavailable due to injury, the manager's options were severely limited, forcing him to rely on a lineup that raises as many questions as it answers.
Greenwood's inclusion is particularly notable given his own midweek altercation with the coaching staff. The English forward, on loan from Manchester United, visibly frustrated Beye during a training session, prompting the coach to halt the session prematurely. Ordinarily, such a breach might lead to a stint on the bench, but the combination of absentees and Greenwood's undeniable quality left Beye with little alternative. The situation underscores the delicate tightrope the Marseille boss must walk: demanding respect while acknowledging that his best chance of three points likely depends on match-winners like Greenwood.
Aubameyang's exile removes a proven goalscorer from the equation at a time when OM can scarcely afford to drop more points. The Gabonese international has struggled for consistency since his move from Chelsea, but his pedigree and experience in big moments made him a logical focal point. Without him, the creative burden shifts even more heavily onto Greenwood, Amine Harit, and the midfield. For a side that has managed just one goal in its last two outings, the margin for error is razor-thin.
The trip to Le Havre represents more than a routine away fixture; it is a test of character for a team that has lost its way domestically. Consecutive defeats, punctuated by a disappointing draw, have left OM languishing in mid-table when pre-season expectations pointed toward a top-four challenge. Beye, still in the early stages of his tenure, knows that another misstep could turn murmurs of discontent into full-blown crisis. The pressure is not only on the players to deliver but on the coach to prove he can manage the egos and attitudes within a fractious dressing room.
The inclusion of Rulli in goal was expected, but the decision to stick with the Argentine international also speaks to the lack of reliable alternatives. Defensively, OM have been porous, conceding soft goals that have undone decent spells of possession. At Le Havre, they will face a side that thrives on disruption and set-pieces, making concentration from the first whistle imperative. Any sign of the indiscipline that has crept into training sessions could prove fatal on the pitch.
Greenwood's selection, in particular, will be scrutinized by supporters and pundits alike. While his technical ability is unquestioned, questions about his temperament have followed him throughout his career. Beye's public frustration suggests that the situation is being monitored closely, but the lack of forward depth means the player holds a degree of leverage. For OM to turn their season around, Greenwood must channel his emotions into productive performances rather than the kind of flashpoints that marred the training ground this week.
The match at Stade Océane also offers a chance for fringe players to step up. With Aubameyang sidelined, opportunities open for others to claim a more permanent role. A strong showing from the supporting cast could ease the reliance on Greenwood and provide a blueprint for the weeks ahead. Conversely, a disjointed display would amplify calls for Beye to find a resolution to the Aubameyang saga and reinforce the squad in the coming windows.
Ligue 1 has been unpredictable this season, and OM's descent is not irreversible, but the clock is ticking. The psychological impact of a third defeat in four would be profound, especially given the manner of recent setbacks. Beye's admission that Greenwood's behaviour "agacé"—annoyed—him reveals a manager who is trying to impose standards without the luxury of a deep squad. The fire extinguisher incident with Aubameyang may have forced his hand, but it also exposed the lack of leadership among the senior players.
As the team took to the pitch at Le Havre, all eyes were on how they would respond to the internal turmoil. A victory could serve as a cathartic release, temporarily silencing doubters and buying Beye precious time to implement his vision. Defeat, on the other hand, would only deepen the sense that this OM squad is fundamentally fragile. The performance will be analysed not just for the result but for the body language and unity of a group that appears to be fraying at the edges.
For now, the focus is on the immediate task: securing three points against a well-organised Le Havre side. The lineup, with Greenwood and Rulli as its pillars, reflects both the talent and the turbulence within the camp. Whether Beye's gamble on retaining a player he criticised just days earlier pays off will be determined by the final whistle. One thing is certain: Marseille cannot afford another week where off-field drama overshadows on-field results.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
