Just ten days after securing victory in the Ligue 2 playoffs against Rodez in a tense penalty shootout (0-0, 7-6 tab), AS Saint-Étienne is now poised to challenge OGC Nice in the crucial Ligue 1 promotion playoffs. Head coach Philippe Montanier provided an update on his squad this Monday, ahead of Tuesday’s first leg at the legendary Geoffroy-Guichard stadium.

The status of Ben Old remains a concern. The New Zealand left-back, who sustained a hamstring injury during the Rodez encounter, faces a final fitness test on Tuesday morning to determine his availability for the match. His presence on the field is currently uncertain.

In a more positive development for Les Verts, veteran midfielder Florian Tardieu is fully fit and ready for action. Tardieu had been sidelined since early March due to a calf injury, making his return a significant boost for the team. However, young forward Djylian N’Guessan will be unavailable, having suffered a new hamstring injury.

Further complicating team selection are uncertainties surrounding international players who might be called up or are awaiting World Cup selections. Coach Montanier noted, “We are still awaiting news, discussions are ongoing,” regarding their participation in Tuesday’s first leg. This situation impacts Ben Old (New Zealand), as well as Ghanaian players Augustine Boakye and Ebenezer Annan.

Football fans can catch the complete live coverage of the ASSE vs. OGC Nice Ligue 1 playoff first leg this Tuesday, starting at 8:45 PM, on ICI Saint-Étienne Loire radio.