In three weeks, the attention of French football will turn to the derby between Olympique Lyonnais and AS Saint-Etienne. This meeting, which has not taken place for two years due to the relegation of the Greens to Ligue 2, will be held at Groupama Stadium on November 10.
However, ASSE may well have to do without the services of Lucas Stassintheir Belgian striker. Although he is not an indisputable starter, Stassin has found his place in the team’s rotation since his arrival this summer.
The reason for his potential absence is linked to his possible call-up to the Belgian Espoirs team. The Red Devils, having failed to qualify directly for the Euro after a defeat against Hungary, will have to go through the play-offs.
These play-offs include a first leg on November 11, the day after the derby. A call-up would mean Stassin would be forced to choose between representing his country or his club. “A dilemma that UEFA could have spared the players with a little more thoughtful programming…”
UEFA’s decision to schedule the U20 selection matches so close to the domestic derbies raises questions. For players like Stassin, it represents a difficult choice between national and local commitments, each of which has its own importance.
