Abline chases first AS Monaco goal against Toulouse tonight
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
Matthis Abline remains without a goal for AS Monaco since his August foot injury, but a strong display against Lens suggests one is close.
Matthis Abline has yet to open his goal-scoring account for AS Monaco this season, a wait that stretches back to a foot injury suffered on 14 August during a disrupted pre-season. The forward's recovery delayed his integration into Adi Hutter's squad, leaving him short of match sharpness as the Ligue 1 campaign got underway at the Stade Louis-II and beyond.
His most recent outing against Lens offered the clearest sign yet that a breakthrough is near. Playing with more confidence and timing in the final third, Abline looked closer to the form that persuaded Monaco to sign him, even without finding the net.
The forward gets another chance this evening when Monaco host Toulouse at the Stade Louis-II, kicking off at 20h45 in matchday six of Ligue 1. For a Monaco attack still settling into its rhythm this season, a first goal from Abline would mark a significant turning point, both for his own campaign and for the team's firepower heading into a congested autumn schedule.