Saint-Étienne facing Lyon: Three notable absences for the Derby

As the shock in Lyon approached, Eirik Horneland unveiled the composition of the AS Saint-Étienne team for this 126th derby. The situation is worrying, marked by three major absences on the green workforce.

At the press conference, the coach announced Benjamin Bouchouari’s untying, hit on his back. The Moroccan community, present this Saturday at Geoffroy Guichard to support his teammates, could unfortunately miss until the end of the season.

Another bad news is that Augustine Boakye, who is still in pain due to an injury, is also in trouble for this crucial derby. The Ghanaian wingman, the real revelation of early 2025, is a major asset of the Stéphanois attack and his absence may limit offensive options.

Pierre Cornud’s situation remains uncertain. Touched before Brest’s reception, the left side was present during Saturday’s collective training at Geoffroy Guichard, but its status remains to be determined.

Finally, Yvann Mason is suspended for this derby, following an accumulation of yellow cards (3 warnings in less than 10 games). Long preferred to Appiah in recent weeks, the Guadeloupéan defender will have to leave his place on the right flank, where Dennis Appiah will have to hold the shock against Cherki and his teammates.

Lyon, with 51 points on the counter, arrives in the Chaudron with the ambition to stay in the top 4. Paulo Fonseca’s staff is confident and ready to face this derby.

On the other hand, AS Saint-Étienne sailed in troubled waters, currently holding 17th place with 24 points. Each game became a final in the maintenance race. In spite of a tear, Eirik Horneland will have to mobilize his band as never before to capsized Geoffroy-Guichard and revive a failed dynamic. A feat would be more than a relief: it could mark a turning point in the season.