Crisis at AS Monaco: the Principality Ready to Take Back Control
Jan 29, 2026
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve
Virtus Bologna without star player in Monaco
EuroLeague - Carsen Edwards will not travel to the Principality. Virtus Bologna's top scorer will miss the EuroLeague game against AS Monaco due to illness that already kept him off the court during the last game in Cremona.
Photo Credit : Sébastien Grasset
Virtus Bologna will have to cope without its main offensive weapon for the trip to Monaco. Carsen Edwards, already absent from the Cremona game due to scheduled rest and a high fever, will not make the trip to the Principality according to information reported by Stadio and Carlino.
Stats 2025-2026 / EuroLeague
PTS
18.5
#5
REB
2.2
#163
AST
1.8
#94
A Major Blow to Virtus’ Offense
Edwards’ absence was indirectly confirmed on Wednesday evening, when the American player, initially scheduled to participate in a club promotional event, was replaced at the last minute by Alston. This setback deprives Virtus of its main playmaker and top scorer, forcing the team to revise its offensive plans.
Without their number one offensive option, the Bianconeri lose shot creation and scoring, but this absence also opens up opportunities in the rotation. Former Le Mans player Matt Morgan (6’2″, 28 years old), Edwards’ natural backup, should see his playing time increase considerably and inherit increased offensive responsibilities.
Alston should also benefit from additional minutes, after a promising start wearing Virtus’ jersey. The player will bring his usual qualities – energy, physicality and impact on both ends of the floor – as the team seeks to compensate for the absence of its offensive leader through a collective effort.
Stats 2025-2026 / EuroLeague
PTS
13.1
#36
REB
1.3
#245
AST
2
#83
Uncertainty Also Surrounds Smailagic
Besides Edwards’ confirmed absence, Alen Smailagic’s health status also remains uncertain for this European trip. The Serbian player’s availability has not yet been determined, which could further complicate Virtus’ tactical plans for facing Monaco.
This injury situation comes at the worst time for Virtus Bologna, which must maintain its level in EuroLeague against a Monaco team always formidable at home despite its serious internal problems. The Italian team will have to draw on its collective resources to overcome these significant absences.
Sylvain Sultat suit la NBA au quotidien, entre performances individuelles, dynamiques collectives et grandes histoires de la ligue. Sur BeBasket, il décrypte l’actualité américaine avec passion et régularité, toujours à l’affût des tendances qui font bouger le monde du basket.
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