Ex-Bayern Munich star & Timber set to hand Nnadi first Marseille start

Former Bayern Munich player Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Quentin Timber are both set to hand Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi his first start for Olympique Marseille, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Reports suggest the Nigerian talent could make his first Ligue 1 start for Olympique Marseille in their upcoming clash with Toulouse FC.

Nnadi, who only recently made his debut against Olympique Lyon, could now be trusted with a starting role due to key absences in Marseille’s midfield.

The 22-year-old, signed from Zulte Waregem in February for around €6 million, has spent his early weeks in France gradually adapting to the team.

However, former Tottenham midfielder Højbjerg is suspended, and Timber remains injured, creating an opening for Nnadi to be in Marseille’s midfield starting lineup.

Nnadi: Stepping up after Marseille debut

Nnadi’s cameo against Lyon shows what the Nigerian player can do, and the Toulouse fixture may finally give him a chance to prove his readiness in a full match.

Sources indicate that the coaching staff are confident in his ability to handle the demands of Ligue 1, particularly given the squad's need for fresh energy after a challenging run of results.

Filling the gaps for Bayern Munich star & Timber, amid turbulence

Marseille have faced turbulence in recent weeks, including heavy defeats to Stade Brestois 29 and Paris Saint-Germain, alongside a draw against RC Strasbourg.

Meanwhile, Habib Beye will be without his key men Højbjerg and Timber in the squad in the French cup this evening.

With the team under pressure and without key stars, integrating Nnadi into the starting eleven could give him valuable experience and inject new energy into the midfield as Marseille seek stability.

#OMTFC

Le groupe de 2️⃣1️⃣ joueurs d' pour la réception de Toulouse, ce soir à l'@orangevelodrome pic.twitter.com/oNjnkY2Rtp

— Olympique de Marseille (@OM_Officiel) March 4, 2026

A starting appearance for Nnadi against Toulouse would mark a key step in establishing himself at Marseille and making an impact in France.