Several major concerns before the recovery

AS Saint-Étienne is going through a difficult period in defense with several major absences. Olivier Dall'Oglio must deal with these defensive glitches before facing Montpellier, a team in turmoil this season.

Injuries of Nadé and Mason

At a press conference, the Saint-Etienne coach announced the bad news concerning his defenders. Mickaël Nadé suffers from a “sprained knee” and will be kept away from the grounds for “three or four weeks”. Yvann Maçonfor his part, feels “pain in the operated knee” and will be unavailable about ten days. These two absences considerably weaken the defense of the Greens which had regained solidity in recent weeks with only one goal conceded in two matches.

Mandatory defensive reshuffles

Faced with these wounds, Dall'Oglio must review his plans and make changes on defense. Dennis Appiah should replace Masonwhile Younis Abdelhamid could replace Nadé. Another option would be to align Pierre CornudWho “doing much better” according to the coach, left and slide Petrot in the axis. Despite these absences “not great”Dall'Oglio awaits des substitutes that they do “the job” and maintain the “solidity” recent defense.

Good news from the internationals

In this complicated period, Dall'Oglio can rejoice in the return of its internationals without major injuries. Dylan Batubinsikadespite a muscular alert, was able to play the entire match with DR Congo where he was even a scorer. Other internationals like Petrot are also operational despite the “fatigue from matches and travel”. A glimmer of hope for the Saint-Etienne coach who will have to rely on his group to overcome this defensive massacre.