Olympique Marseille coach Didier Deschamps, whose team lie fourth, 11 points behind Girondins Bordeaux, believes catching up the champions and leaders will be almost impossible.
"The first thing we need to do to keep hoping is to win our matches," Deschamps, whose team visit second-placed Montpellier on Saturday, told French sports daily L'Equipe.
"However, if Bordeaux keep their momentum, there won't be anything to do," he added.
France goalkeeper Steve Mandanda is a doubtful starter for Marseille after missing training on Thursday because of a sore thigh.
Defender Garry Bocaly has joined Montpellier on loan from Marseille until the end of the season, Marseille said on their website.
Ulrich Rame will once again be in goal for Bordeaux when they welcome strugglers Boulogne on Saturday.
First-choice Cedric Carrasso, however, has resumed training after nursing a calf injury and should be back in action for his side's next game.
Boulogne forward and captain Gregory Thil has resumed training this week after four months on the sidelines with an ankle injury. He is unlikely, however, to play against Bordeaux.
Third-placed Lille will welcome back Gervinho to host lowly Racing Lens on Saturday. The Ivory Coast winger as just returned from the African Nations Cup.
Paris Saint-Germain, who have lost their last two matches to drop to 11th, need to change the way they approach games, Benin midfielder Stephane Sessegnon said before a visit to Olympique Lyon on Sunday.
"We need a different mentality," Sessegnon told Reuters. "Playing well and losing is not helping us. We need to focus on getting three points, no matter how. We need to be warriors."
