Saint-Étienne no longer has any room for maneuver. Beaten on the Bastia pitch, ASSE saw its momentum stall at the worst moment in the race to climb. While it seemed settled at the top of the ranking, the Stéphanois conceded a 2-0 defeat which allowed Le Mans to return to second place. The direct climb is now seriously compromised before arriving at Troyes.
Less than 24 hours before a crucial match at Geoffroy-Guichard, the Greens have learned a new hard blow. Defender Julien Le Cardinal, who arrived this winter from Stade Brestois 29 and quickly became an essential starter, is forced to end his season.
A hamstring injury
Affected in the hamstrings, he suffers from an injury requiring a prolonged period of rest, according to several specialized media including Green People. A brutal stop for a player who had established himself as a real stabilizer in a sometimes feverish defense.
His absence now forces the staff to review their plans for the last three days. To support Mickaël Nadé, two options emerge: the youth of Chico Lamba or the experience of Maxence Bernauer. A decisive choice at the end of the season under high tension.
