Hamari Traoré available, Jonathan Ikoné still uncertain: Paris FC squad update ahead of Strasbourg clash

Friday’s pre-match press conference brought key updates on Paris FC’s squad. Head coach Stéphane Gilli and midfielder Maxime Lopez spoke openly about player availability ahead of Sunday’s home game against Strasbourg (21 September, 15:00, Stade Jean-Bouin).

Hamari Traoré and Lohann Doucet back

The best news is that several key players have regained match fitness. Summer signing Hamari Traoré, who has been training with the reserves to build up his sharpness, is now fully fit and available for selection. As a Paris FC supporter, I’m delighted to have our right-back back in the squad just when we need him most.

Lohann Doucet has also returned to full fitness. These two comebacks give Gilli precious options and strengthen the group ahead of a busy run of fixtures.

Jonathan Ikoné: patience still needed

The picture is more delicate regarding Jonathan Ikoné, another high-profile summer recruit. The former Fiorentina winger remains behind his teammates in physical preparation. “With Jonathan it’s a bit more complicated, he’ll need a bit more time,” Gilli explained.

Ikoné picked up an illness that kept him out of training on Wednesday and Thursday, further delaying his integration. His inclusion in Sunday’s starting XI looks unlikely. “I think it’s going to be tight, especially since he’s trailing the others,” added the coach.

A well-stocked treatment room

Paris FC still has long-term absentees. Defender Pierre Hamel and midfielder Sofiane remain sidelined with serious injuries. Their absence limits our depth, but it’s reassuring to see the rest of the squad in good health.

Midfielder Otávio Ataíde is also suspended after a red card against Brest last time out. While it’s a blow, it opens a door for other players to step up.

Multiple options to cover Otávio

Asked about how he’ll cover for Otávio’s suspension, Gilli was upbeat: “I’ve got several options. There’s Kolo (Timothée Kolodziejczak), and Samir if Hamari starts. So I have choices, which is good.”

Traoré’s return could allow Samir to drop into central defence and free up right-back, while Kolodziejczak remains a solid option at centre-half.

Central defensive pairing under consideration

Gilli has several centre-back pairings in mind: “I’ve thought about Samir with Kolo, Samir with Otávio, Mbow with Kolo, Mbow with Otávio.”

He’s clearly pleased to have quality options with different profiles, much like he does on the flanks with Nhoa Sangui and Thibault De Smet.

Tactics first

The coach stressed that his selections are driven by tactics: “Sometimes it’s about the tactical choices based on what I want to implement and what the opponent will offer us.”

This methodical approach shows how deeply the Paris FC staff analyse each match, adapting the lineup to exploit the opposition’s weaknesses.

Starting XI still evolving

When asked if the team was already decided, Gilli tempered expectations: “It’s not far off, but we’ve still got a couple of sessions and it keeps evolving.”

However, he hinted that certain patterns from the early part of the season are likely to continue: “From what I’ve seen so far, yes, some things are imposing themselves.”

The Challenge of Strasbourg at Jean-Bouin

Sunday’s match against Strasbourg at the Stade Jean-Bouin is a tough test. The Alsatian side are known for their high-intensity football and relentless press. Integrating new faces like Traoré takes on extra importance in this context.

Gilli must balance the urge to trust fresh recruits with the need for a settled side that can withstand Strasbourg’s pressure. Defensive cohesion, a weakness early in the season, must be watertight to avoid costly mistakes.

This game is crucial to measure the team’s progress and see how the new signings can lift Paris FC when every point counts.