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 high-stakes challenge against OGC Nice in the Ligue 1 play-offs. Ahead of Tuesday’s pivotal first leg, coach Philippe Montanier provided an update on his squad’s readiness.

New Zealand international left-back Ben Old is currently uncertain for the home leg at Geoffroy-Guichard, having picked up a hamstring injury during the Rodez encounter. A final fitness assessment is scheduled for Tuesday morning to determine his availability for the decisive match.

In positive news for Les Verts, veteran midfielder Florian Tardieu is set to make his return. He has been sidelined since early March due to a calf injury but is now declared operational and ready for action. However, young forward Djylian N’Guessan will be unavailable after suffering a new hamstring injury.

Montanier also addressed the situation concerning players potentially called up for the upcoming World Cup. “We are still awaiting news, discussions are ongoing,” he stated regarding their participation in Tuesday’s first leg. This uncertainty extends to Ben Old (New Zealand), as well as Ghanaian players Augustine Boakye and Ebenezer Annan.

Catch the full coverage of ASSE – OGC Nice, the Ligue 1 play-off first leg, live this Tuesday from 8:45 PM on ICI Saint-Étienne Loire radio.