May 26, 2026

The Panafrican Press

English-language platform committed to rigorous, independent journalism across the African continent.

Ligue 1 play-offs: asse faces nice with old uncertain and tardieu back

AS Saint-Étienne faces a critical Ligue 1 play-off first leg against OGC Nice this Tuesday at Geoffroy-Guichard. While left-back Ben Old remains a doubt due to a hamstring injury, experienced midfielder Florian Tardieu is fully fit and ready for action.

Just ten days after securing victory in the Ligue 2 play-offs against Rodez (0-0, 7-6 on penalties), AS Saint-Étienne is now set to challenge OGC Nice in the decisive Ligue 1 play-offs. On Monday afternoon, Stéphanois coach Philippe Montanier provided an update on his squad’s readiness. New Zealand international left-back Ben Old, who sustained a hamstring injury during the intense match against Rodez, is currently uncertain for Tuesday’s home fixture at Geoffroy-Guichard. A final fitness assessment for Old is scheduled for Tuesday morning before a definitive decision is made regarding his participation.

In positive news for the Greens, Florian Tardieu is poised for a return. The seasoned midfielder, sidelined since early March with a calf injury, has fully recovered and is now declared operational. However, young striker Djylian N’Guessan will be unavailable, having suffered a new hamstring injury.

The status of international players, whether already called up or awaiting selection for the upcoming World Cup, remains a point of discussion. Coach Montanier noted on Thursday that