PARIS: Thierry Henry renews acquaintances with former France and Arsenal team-mate Patrick Vieira today when Monaco face Nice as part of a rearranged batch of midweek fixtures in Ligue 1.
The coaching showdown between two of France’s 1998 World Cup winners was first scheduled for December 7, but the game was postponed amid security concerns over the ongoing “yellow vest” protests in France over rising living costs.
Since taking over at the Stade Louis II, Henry has won just two of 10 league matches as Monaco find themselves second from bottom and four points from safety midway through the season.
The 2017 French champions have sought to address their plight with a number of January recruits – Cesc Fabregas, Naldo and Fode Ballo-Toure all started Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Marseille.
“Fabregas got better as the minutes ticked by,” said Henry of the Spaniard’s promising debut at the weekend.
“He managed to take the match in his grasp and read between the lines. We could have finished certain moves off better, but we’re on the right track.”
“We had to react and we did that. The draw will be a good result if there are wins after it,” he added. “Now we need to string things together and continue to pick up points.”
Experienced midfielder William Vainqueur has also joined on loan from Antalyaspor, however, none of Monaco’s new signings are eligible to feature against Nice as the game was originally due to be played before the reopening of the transfer window.
Striker Radamel Falcao is highly doubtful due to illness, although France international Djibril Sidibe is set to return after two months out with injury.
Goalkeeper Danijel Subasic is back in training as well, having made just two appearances for the club this term because of a thigh problem.
“As soon as he’s operational he will be back in the group for sure,” said Henry. “I’m counting on him a lot.” – AFP
