Gignac can’t wait for Marseille clash

Toulouse forward Andre-Pierre Gignac admits his side’s clash with Marseille on Saturday will be a “special” affair for him.

Gignac was born in Martigues, a town close to Marseille, so the game carries an extra significance for the 23-year-old.

“It’s always been a special match for me,” he told France Football.

“All my friends and family will be there, and the Velodrome has a strange magic.”

Although Marseille are fifth in Ligue 1 and Toulouse lie 11th, Gignac is in confident mood.

“Last season I scored a double [in Marseille] and I also scored the winning goal for Lorient three years ago,” he said.

“I have never lost against OM – and I don’t think I will this weekend.”

Gignac has scored just twice in 10 games this season, although he has been troubled by a groin injury.

“We are taking preventative measures and are doing everything for this little annoyance to disappear permanently,” he said.

“It’s on track. Not so long ago I even had trouble walking. Now I have no pain – not when I walk or when I run or when I strike the ball.”

Toulouse will be looking to extend their two-game winning streak after victories at home to Paris St Germain and at Lens.

Marseille return to Ligue 1 action after their previous game with PSG was cancelled because of swine flu.

Rival fans were injured in clashes in Marseille on Sunday after the game was postponed thanks to an outbreak of the virus at the capital club.

Marseille coach Didier Deschamps is happy with the decision to rearrange the game for November 20.

“Early January was totally rejected because I have four players involved in the African Cup of Nations,” he told reporters.

“Then there was Sunday, November 22, but that was out of the question because it was three days before a decisive match in Milan.

“Then came the proposal for Friday 20. That date allows us to have all our players available.”