Adrien Rabiot’s future at Olympique de Marseille has taken a dramatic turn. According to a report from RTL, Roberto De Zerbi has informed the club’s hierarchy that he no longer wishes to count on the France international, following a disciplinary incident last week.

Rabiot’s mother and agent, Véronique Rabiot, revealed to RTL that she was informed on 18 August of her son’s suspension from the squad. She sought clarification from the club’s sporting director Mehdi Benatia, but received no response. On Tuesday morning, OM’s secretary general Benjamin Arnaud confirmed directly to Rabiot’s lawyer that De Zerbi had made his stance clear: the midfielder does not feature in his plans.

The Italian coach has justified his decision by citing a “lack of investment” compared to Rabiot’s first season in Marseille. However, the player’s entourage has dismissed this reasoning.

The fallout comes in the wake of OM’s 1-0 defeat away to Rennes on 15 August, during which tensions boiled over in the dressing room. Rabiot and English winger Jonathan Rowe reportedly came to blows, with two altercations involving insults and physical contact. Both players have since been barred from training with the first team.