Olympique de Marseille coach Igor Tudor said that Dimitri Payet would start in the upcoming UEFA Champions League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt after being left on the bench in Saturday’s 2-1 win over LOSC Lille.
The 35-year-old was an unused substitute for the match at the Vélodrome, with Tudor even preferring to send on Gerson when he withdrew Alexis Sánchez to make his fifth and final change of the night four minutes from time.
“Dimitri looks in good shape and he feels good, just like Gerson and the rest of the team,” said Tudor. “There are lots of matches to come and everyone is important. I spoke to Dimitri yesterday (Friday) and explained my plan to him. As we have to play every three days, he will start on Tuesday. He is always there when we need him, and he is feeling better after his little problem. He started training again just before the game in London. He is positive, and I am aware of his qualities.”
Payet started his first two games of the season in the wins against OGC Nice and Clermont Foot 63 before sitting out the 2-0 victory at AJ Auxerre due to a minor calf problem. That is what prevented him from coming off the bench in the 2-0 loss away to Tottenham Hostpur in midweek.
'Deserved victory'
Without Payet on Saturday, Marseille came from behind to beat Lille 2-1 with Alexis Sánchez scoring his fourth goal of the season before Samuel Gigot struck the winner, leaving OM behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain only on goal difference.
“It was a very important match for us against a direct rival at the top of the table. They were champions two years ago and they have good players and a good coach. But we were better than them and we deserved the victory,” said Tudor.
