Leonardo Balerdi, captain and central defender for Olympique de Marseille (OM), is set to miss several weeks of action following a knee injury sustained during a match against Reims.

The injury occurred on Saturday, March 30, 2025, when Balerdi left the field approximately thirty minutes into the game, which ended in a 3-1 defeat for his team.

The club confirmed that Balerdi is suffering from a sprain of the left medial collateral ligament.

His recovery timeline remains uncertain, although OM expressed hope that he could return before the end of the current season.

Balerdi's absence poses a significant challenge for OM's head coach, Roberto De Zerbi.

Known for his reliability and consistency, Balerdi has been a key player in a defense that has struggled throughout the season.

As of now, Marseille is positioned third in the Ligue 1 standings, but they have faced difficulties, losing four of their last five matches.

The 2024-2025 season has critical implications for Marseille, as they aim to secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

Balerdi's injury may impact their pursuit of this goal as they navigate the challenges ahead without their captain.