Saturday at 7 p.m., Montpellier will travel to Saint-Étienne for a crucial duel in the fight for maintenance. A meeting where coach Jean-Louis Gasset will have to deal with a squad reduced by several major absences, but also reinforced by certain returns. ASSE – Montpellier, it's the match of fear that awaits the supporters this weekend. Midi Libre takes stock before this crucial meeting for both teams.
Two suspended for Montpellier
The MHSC will be deprived of two key pieces in midfield. Jordan Ferri and Birama Touré, suspended, will be sorely missed in the midfield. However, Montpellier will be able to count on the return of its captain and playing master, Téji Savanier, as well as the young Stefan Dzodic, back after their exclusion during the matches against Toulouse and Marseille.
Three returns to Geoffroy-Guichard
On a physical level, the club experienced some relief. Midfielder Joris Chotard and central defender Becir Omeragic, absent since the crushing defeat against Marseille (0-5), should be available. Chotard has regained his place in the squad while Omeragic is undergoing individualized training with a view to quickly returning to the group. Among the full-backs, Ambroise Sainte-Luce is operational, offering a valuable option on the left flank.
Another avalanche of injuries
On the other hand, several players remain on the floor. Akor Adams, athletic and decisive center forward (3 goals and 2 assists), is absent for several weeks due to a right thigh injury. Wahbi Khazri should continue to play up front to compensate for this absence. Winger Maamma (muscle soreness) remains doubtful after MRI, while Fayad, Issoufou and Mincarelli will not be available.
Finally, the MHSC internationals, including Mousa Tamari, Issiaga Sylla and Dimitry Bertaud, will return to the team this week after their selection matches.
Against Saint-Étienne, Montpellier will have to show solidity and rely on its executives like Savanier or Khazri to hope to bring back a positive result in a decisive meeting for the rest of the season.
