Florian Tardieu ruled out for Saint-Étienne v Red Star, Montanier calls it a blow | OneFootball

Florian Tardieu has been ruled out of Saint-Étienne’s home match against Red Star on Saturday after a calf problem in training on Tuesday, according to L'Équipe. Kick-off at Geoffroy-Guichard is at 20:00.

Head coach Philippe Montanier has no players returning for the visit of fourth-placed Red Star. Mahmoud Jaber, Maxime Bernauer, Chico Lamba and Nadir El Jamali are all unavailable, with adductor issues for Jaber and Lamba, a knee problem for Bernauer, and El Jamali recovering from knee surgery on Monday.

Jaber and Bernauer are working individually and are being eased back into group warm-ups and technical drills. Lamba has completed a full week with the squad and now needs minutes with the reserves, probably next week. El Jamali will see the physio today and the staff will monitor how his wound heals.

Montanier views the fixture as a major test in front of the supporters, perhaps the most difficult since he took charge.

Against a direct rival for promotion to Ligue 1, Saint-Étienne can strengthen a run of four straight wins that has lifted them to second behind Troyes. Tardieu had found rhythm and was influential in the 3-0 victory at Pau on Saturday, particularly in defensive work and build-up.

Source: L'Équipe