Olympique de Marseille's Champions League hopes have taken a serious blow, as the club confirmed that defenders Nayef Aguerd and midfielder Hamed Junior Traoré will miss the remainder of the season due to injuries. With just two games left in Ligue 1, Marseille sits in seventh place—five points behind fourth-placed Lille OSC and out of reach of third-placed Olympique Lyonnais. To salvage any European football next season, they'll need a strong finish and perhaps a favor from RC Lens in the Coupe de France final against OGC Nice.

Traoré, who has been a key creative force in midfield, is sidelined with an adductor injury that requires surgery. He will travel to Finland for the procedure, ruling him out for the rest of the campaign. Meanwhile, Aguerd has battled persistent muscular issues all season and underwent surgery for a pubalgia problem in March. He will continue his recovery in his native Morocco, with his sights set on being fit for the FIFA World Cup this summer.

For a team that prides itself on its passionate fanbase and iconic white-and-blue kits, these setbacks couldn't come at a worse time. Marseille will need to dig deep and rely on squad depth to finish the season on a high note—and maybe keep those European dreams alive.