Sunday, Mickaël Nadé finished the match lying on the lawn of Groupama Stadium, after being hit in the knee a few minutes before the final whistle. The ASSE-trained defender underwent examinations this Monday to determine the severity of his injury. According to the team, he has an external sprain of the lateral ligament in his right knee and will be out for approximately four weeks.
A new puzzle presents itself for Olivier Dall'Oglio and his defensive sector. After having found a certain balance with the Batubinsika-Nadé pair, the Saint-Etienne technician will have to cope without his defender trained at the club. Four options are available to him, but which one will he choose?
The rebirth of Abdelhamid at ASSE?
The Moroccan international is the first option to compensate for the absence of Nade. With his experience, he has not yet been able to convince the green people. His lackluster performances pushed Olivier Dall'Oglio to relegate him to the substitutes' bench. Abdelhamid is renowned for his rigor and exemplary work ethic. If Saint-Étienne manages to get the best out of him, it could well be the boost needed for the Greens, who are aiming to remain in the elite this season.
Will the real start of his Saint-Etienne adventure begin against Montpellier? This would be a strong sign for him from Montpellier!
The unexpected return of Briançon?
Injured since the start of the season, Anthony Briançon is getting closer to a return to the group. His absence is linked to a knee injury. With Nade's absence, his return is timely. He will apply and play his place to replace the Saint-Etienne colossus. He is still the only one of the four options not to be left-handed. Something to take into account!
Could the ASSE defense, often singled out in recent months for its irregularity, gain in reliability with Briançon at its head? However, it will be necessary to manage his playing time intelligently at the start, to avoid any relapse and allow him to gradually regain his rhythm.
The next matches will be crucial to measure his state of form and his ability to once again become that charismatic leader on whom Saint-Étienne can rely to aim for its objectives.
Pétrot (ASSE) finds his training position?
Used as a left back since his return to Forez, Léo Petrot remains a trained central defender. It is also in this position that he launched into Ligue 1 with Lorient during the 2021-2022 season. He will play 22 matches there with the Merlus in the elite of French football. With Nade's injury, could Olivier Dall'Oglio take advantage of relaunching him in this role?
Pierre Cornud returns from injury and will apply for the left-back position. Yvann Maçon, back from injury, is also a credible option at left back. Will the game of musical chairs operate in the Saint-Etienne defense?
Ekwah and hybrid?
The rookie who arrived from Sunderland is gaining momentum as the season progresses. Initially used as a sentry, he is now used in a hybrid role as a third central defender in the defensive phase. Enough to become a credible option to replace Mickaël Nadé? The option seems possible but unlikely.
The slender Stéphanois number contributes greatly to the balance of the team. Indeed, the midfielder could lose its influence without the 22-year-old player!
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