Next Saturday at 8pm, AS Saint-Étienne will face Rodez as part of the second day of the Ligue 2 championship. This match marks the team’s first home appearance for this season and is of crucial importance to the Stéphanois club, eager to bounce back after having conceded a late equalizer on the first day against Laval. The team started their training week on Tuesday with a session open to the public, offering a first glimpse of the state of their troops.

The season begins in a context of reconstruction for ASSE, relegated last year and having experienced a complex intersaison. Although the mercato has been active, the strength is not yet fully stabilized, as the club has to deal with several outstanding situations: leaving players, injury returns and late integrations. This situation forces coach Eirik Horneland to constantly adjust his tactical choices.

Several absences are worth noting for Saturday’s game. Joshua Duffus still awaits his passport and does not yet have a certified contract. Pierre Ekwah is unavailable, refusing to return. Strahinja Stojkovic, arrived just before the trip to Laval, is present at the trainings and could be integrated into the team. Maxime Bernauer and Mahmoud Jaber were out last week. Lucas Staasnin continues his recovery, while Benjamin Bouchouaari and Djyliian N Yvann Macoon and Dylan Batubinsika are not retained by the club. During the last session, Eirik Horneland was able to count on Strahinja Stojkovic and Lucas Staasnin. Mahmoud Jaber and Djyliian N’Guessan train individually, while Dylan Batubinsika, Pierre Ekwah, Yvann Macoon, Benjamin Bouchouaari, Maxime Bernauer and Florian Tardieu are still absent.