The French club confirmed that medical examinations showed a lesion to Palmieri’s left thigh, though no timeline was given for his return. The Italy international joined Marseille on a permanent deal from West Ham in September last year and has been a regular presence in defense this season.
Palmieri’s absence comes as Marseille prepare for a crucial fixture in the closing stages of the league phase. With only two rounds remaining, the Ligue 1 side sits 16th in the standings, three points adrift of Liverpool in 11th. Both teams are battling to improve their position and avoid slipping further away from the automatic qualification places.
Under the competition format, the top eight teams advance directly to the round of 16, while clubs finishing between ninth and 24th must contest a two-legged playoff to progress.
Liverpool, meanwhile, could receive a timely boost with the expected return of Mohamed Salah from the Africa Cup of Nations. The Egyptian forward’s availability would add much-needed attacking firepower as the English side looks to strengthen its bid for a top-eight finish.
With qualification stakes high and little margin for error, Wednesday’s encounter at the Stade Vélodrome is shaping up as a pivotal moment for both clubs’ Champions League ambitions.