At least four out for Saint-Étienne as Montpellier visit in Ligue 2 | OneFootball

Philippe Montanier faces his first match as Saint-Étienne head coach on Saturday with at least four absentees. Florian Tardieu is out with a left knee medial ligament strain, while long-term casualties Chico Lamba, Maxime Bernauer and Mahmoud Jaber also remain sidelined.

According to L'Équipe, Tardieu slipped in training on Tuesday and injured his left knee’s medial collateral ligament. Montpellier visit Geoffroy-Guichard at 20:00.

Goalkeeper Gautier Larsonneur did not complete the full session because of an ankle issue, though he took part in defensive tactical work and should be able to keep his place on Saturday.

Forward Irvin Cardona had a fever and sat out training, remaining at rest. Montanier said he should also be fine for Saturday.

Appointed on Sunday, Montanier spoke again on Thursday morning at L'Étrat after his official unveiling on Monday. He watched last Saturday’s 0-1 defeat at Boulogne-sur-Mer from a hotel on the outskirts of Saint-Étienne the day before signing, out of respect for predecessor Eirik Horneland, who left by mutual consent. He felt the group’s spirit was relatively fresh.

Source: L'Équipe