Krépin Diatta Excluded from AS Monaco Champions League Squad Again

MONACO, Monaco — Krépin Diatta has been removed from AS Monaco‘s squad list for this season’s Champions League campaign. This change follows the return of Swiss midfielder Denis Zakaria from injury.

Last September, UEFA regulations allowed AS Monaco to replace an injured player expected to miss at least 60 days, and they opted to replace Diatta with Zakaria at that time.

With Zakaria fit to play again, head coach Sébastien Pocognoli has expressed disappointment over Diatta’s exclusion. “Krépin is a very important player for me, for my system. He’s been performing at a very high level since I arrived,” Pocognoli stated. However, he acknowledged that the decision regarding the squad was made prior to his appointment. “We adapt,” he added.

Monaco will have another chance to revise its Champions League roster in January, which could bring further changes.

Meanwhile, AS Monaco will rely on their squad for the upcoming match against Páfos in Cyprus. Following their 1-0 victory over Bodo Glimt, the team aims for a second consecutive win in the tournament. This match will also mark the Champions League return for Paul Pogba, who has been sidelined for three and a half years from the competition.

Pogba last played in the Champions League on March 13, 2022, while still with Manchester United. His return to the pitch comes as AS Monaco looks to strengthen its position in the tournament.