Just ten days removed from their hard-fought Ligue 2 playoff victory over Rodez (0-0, 7-6 on penalties), AS Saint-Étienne is now setting its sights on a formidable challenge: the Ligue 1 playoffs against OGC Nice. On the eve of the crucial first leg, coach Philippe Montanier provided an update on his squad’s condition this Monday afternoon. New Zealand international left-back Ben Old, who sustained a hamstring injury during the Rodez encounter, faces an uncertain status for Tuesday’s home fixture at Geoffroy-Guichard. A definitive decision regarding his participation will be made after a final fitness test on Tuesday morning.

However, the Greens will be boosted by the return of Florian Tardieu. The experienced midfielder, sidelined since early March with a calf injury, has fully recovered and is now available for selection. In contrast, young forward Djylian N’Guessan will be unavailable for the match, suffering from a fresh hamstring injury.

Adding to the pre-match discussions are the situations of several international players. Coach Montanier noted on Thursday that discussions are still ongoing regarding players who have been called up or are awaiting selection for the upcoming World Cup. This uncertainty primarily impacts Ben Old (New Zealand), as well as Ghanaian players Augustine Boakye and Ebenezer Annan, whose availability for Tuesday’s first leg remains to be clarified.