Just ten days after securing victory in the Ligue 2 play-offs against Rodez (0-0, 7-6 on penalties), AS Saint-Étienne is now gearing up for a pivotal challenge against OGC Nice in the Ligue 1 play-offs. Ahead of Tuesday’s crucial first leg, coach Philippe Montanier provided an update on his squad’s readiness. Ben Old, the New Zealand international left-back, remains a doubt for the match at Geoffroy-Guichard due to the hamstring issue he picked up against Rodez. A final fitness assessment for Old is scheduled for Tuesday morning before a definitive decision on his participation is made.

Meanwhile, Les Verts will be bolstered by the return of Florian Tardieu. The experienced midfielder, who has been sidelined since early March with a calf injury, is now declared fully operational. Unfortunately, young forward Djylian N’Guessan will be unavailable for selection, having sustained a new hamstring injury.

Questions also linger regarding the availability of international players who are either currently with their national teams or awaiting World Cup selection. Coach Montanier stated on Thursday that discussions are ongoing, and they are still awaiting further information. This uncertainty specifically affects Ben Old (New Zealand), as well as Augustine Boakye and Ebenezer Annan (Ghana).