It’s the duel of the poorly ranked. Respectively 16th and 18th in Ligue 1, AS Saint-Etienne and Montpellier HSC face each other this Saturday, at 7 p.m., at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium. An important match in the fight for survival between two teams who have occupied the red zone almost since the start of the season.
MHSC: one executive injured and two players suspended
Winner of Brest (3-1) before the break, the MHSC wants to continue and launch a positive series against a direct competitor for maintenance. But Jean-Louis Gasset will not be able to count on many elements during this opposition.
Indeed, Midi Libre reports that Akor Adams will be absent for several weeks. The Montpellier starting scorer injured his right thigh during the success against Brest. Other absentees are to be deplored, notably the defensive midfielders, Jordan Ferri and Birama Touré, who will be suspended.
Many returns to challenge ASSE
These are significant absences for the MHSC, which could soon be sanctioned by the DNCG. But the Hérault club is also recovering a large number of players. Thus, Téji Savanier returns from suspension and will be able to make his return against the Greens while the infirmary has been emptied in Montpellier.
Still according to the regional daily, Joris Chotard (defensive midfielder), Becir Omeragic (central defender), Khalil Fayad (central midfielder) and Théo Sainte-Luce (left back) have recovered from their muscle injuries and are applying for a place in the group this SATURDAY. This is excellent news for Jean-Louis Gasset.
Chotard and Omeragic are indeed pillars of the Hérault defensive system and indisputable holders. Fayad was one of the revelations of last season in a more offensive profile. His return should also do good for the Montpellier midfield and perhaps this weekend against ASSE with the absences of Jordan Ferri and Birama Touré.
Uncertainties with internationals
Also note some uncertainties around the MHSC internationals. Midfielder Rabby Nzingoula played two games in three days with the France U20 team during the break but should be operational.
While Jean-Louis Gasset will have to make a choice with the internationals who played Tuesday evening. This is particularly the case of Jordanian winger Mousa Tamari, Guinean full-back Issiaga Sylla, Franco-Congolese goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud and Serbian international hopeful Stefan Dzodic. In any case, they must return to Hérault in the coming days.
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