As ASSE prepares for its entry into the Coupe de France against Quetigny, tension rises in the locker room. As the hours pass, revelations come from the doctors and staff, leaving the supporters in suspense. An essential player could make his comeback, reviving all the offensive hopes for Eirik Horneland. The other, although the hero of the last match, remains in complete uncertainty. This double enigma agitates forums and local networks, and could well shake up the preparation of Saint-Étienne.
ASSE: the good news and the mystery before the weekend
Since the victory at Troyes, doubts have hovered over the physical state of two offensive executives. The first, announced embarrassed and absent from the last collective sessions, saw his situation change radically: Irvin Cardona, injured during the last Ligue 2 shock, surprised everyone by returning to collective training. The dreaded sprain was just a minor alert. After several days of treatment, Cardona is now fit and operational to lead the Greens’ attack on Saturday, excellent news for Horneland who lacked choice with the selection departures and the offensive automatisms to rebuild.​
But everything is not yet green for Saint-Étienne. The most sensitive case concerns Joshua Duffus, revelation of the match in Troyes with a goal and two assists. His exit due to injury had plunged the staff into uncertainty. At present, nothing indicates whether he will be able to hold his place against Quetigny. The latest news differs depending on the source: some signals are reassuring; others, on the contrary, fear an absence lasting several weeks. Obviously, the medical decision expected this Thursday increases the pressure among the Greens, while offensive options are rare in the absence of several internationals.​
For Eirik Horneland, the management of these two files will be crucial: Cardona back, but Duffus on reprieve – preparing the starting eleven becomes a real headache. And for Saint-Etienne supporters, the challenge is twofold: rediscovering the impact of Cardona and hoping for a miracle for Duffus. Definitive answer before Saturday: the suspense remains total.
