Cisse could make swift return

5 december 2006, 17:06

Koen Freriks

Djibril Cissé could give struggling Marseille a pre-Christmas boost by returning to first-team action before the winter break.

The striker, on loan from Liverpool until the end of the season, will take part in a friendly game for the Mediterranean side tonight against Ligue 2 outfit Istres.

Providing he suffers no further setbacks, the France international will meet specialists on Thursday in the hope of getting the all-clear to return to competitive action.

Cissé has been sidelined since the start of June after breaking his leg in a World Cup warm-up game for France against China.

Marseille will hope the former Auxerre frontman's comeback will improve their fortunes in the league. They have slumped to eighth in Ligue 1 after losing five of their last eight games.