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 preparing for a challenging encounter with OGC Nice in the Ligue 1 play-offs. On Monday, ahead of the inaugural match, Stéphanois coach Philippe Montanier provided an update on his squad’s readiness.

Ben Old, the New Zealand international left-back, who picked up a hamstring injury in the recent clash with Rodez, remains a doubt for Tuesday’s first leg at Geoffroy-Guichard. A final fitness test is scheduled for Tuesday morning to determine his availability.

On a more positive note for Les Verts, Florian Tardieu is set to make his return. The experienced midfielder has been sidelined since early March due to a calf injury but is now fully operational and ready to contribute. Unfortunately, young forward Djylian N’Guessan will be unavailable, having suffered a new hamstring injury.

Concerns also persist regarding the participation of international players who are either currently with their national teams or awaiting selection for the upcoming World Cup. Coach Montanier stated on Thursday that discussions are ongoing, and they are still awaiting news. This uncertainty primarily affects Ben Old (New Zealand), as well as Augustine Boakye and Ebenezer Annan (Ghana).

The ASSE – OGC Nice Ligue 1 play-off first leg will be broadcast live and in its entirety this Tuesday, starting at 8:45 PM, on your local radio station ICI Saint-Étienne Loire.