Monaco face CSKA Sofia without Zakaria in Conference League opener
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
AS Monaco begin their Europa Conference League league phase in Sofia on Thursday evening with captain Denis Zakaria left out after a hamstring complaint.
AS Monaco kick off their Europa Conference League campaign away to CSKA Sofia this Thursday at 18:45, with coach Filipe Luis forced into a change at the heart of his side. Captain Denis Zakaria, who felt discomfort in his hamstring during the recent match against Toulouse, drops to the bench rather than risk aggravating the injury on the road.
In his absence, Filipe Luis has turned to a more attacking setup, with Ansu Fati and Takumi Minamino both named in the starting eleven alongside defender Mohammed Salisu. The selection suggests the Monaco coach is looking to settle his side's European campaign quickly away from the Stade Louis II, rather than ease into the competition cautiously.
For supporters following from the Principality, the trip to Bulgaria marks the first proper test of this season's conference phase, a format that gives Monaco more fixtures and less margin for slow starts. With Zakaria managing his fitness, squad depth in midfield will be watched closely over the coming weeks as the club juggles Ligue 1 commitments with its European schedule.