Folarin Balogun nears return to AS Monaco squad following knee injury

AS Monaco forward Folarin Balogun is nearing a return to first-team action after dealing with knee pain since the FIFA World Cup. The 25-year-old has not yet appeared for the club under manager Filipe Luís and only resumed full training late last week. Balogun previously saw a potential transfer to Everton collapse on deadline day, ensuring he remains with Monaco at least until the January window. While he is expected to miss this Saturday's match against RC Strasbourg Alsace, coaching staff are eyeing a spot in the matchday squad for the fixture against RC Lens. That contest marks the final Ligue 1 game for the club before the upcoming international break.

• 8:10 AMYahoo Sports — Folarin Balogun almost fit to make AS Monaco return