The AS Saint-Étienne is facing a delicate situation as the League 2 recovery approaches, with three key players – Lucas Staassin, Zuriko Davitashvili and Pierre Ekwah – whose participation in the preparation is compromised. This absence disrupts collective work and complicates the club’s recruitment strategy. The Stéphanois attack has been ineffective since the beginning of the summer, as demonstrated by the recent friendly defeat against the Paris FC, despite several missed opportunities. The offensive support role, which was to come back to Lucas Staassin, recruits last year, is compromised by a post-operative injury that will likely see him miss the first championship game. This uncertainty weighs heavily on the plans of Coach Horneland, who must compose without his main offensive weapon.

The situation of Zuriko Davitashvili is particularly complex, as the Georgian offensive community does not seem fully engaged in the preparation and wishes to leave the club. Its uncertain future negatively influences the preparation, preventing Horneland from relying on a player whose start could impact the strengthening of other sectors. Moreover, Pierre Ekwah, also absent from the last gatherings and attracting the interest of several formations, is retained by high financial requirements, both on his part and from the club, who wishes to recover a substantial sum in case of transfer. This situation limits possible midfield adjustments and compromises the ASSE’s ability to find a more suitable profile for its project.

These three complex files complicate the task of Horneland and the sports leadership, who must prepare a crucial season with a potentially incomplete workforce. The absence of Staassin prevents working the offensive sector, Davitashvili’s situation creates an imbalance in the rotation, and Ekwah’s situation could free up a position for a more suitable player. These uncertainties certainly delay the signing of new recruits, forcing ASSE to manage its workforce with caution. The rapid resolution of these situations therefore becomes a priority issue to align a competitive team on the first day of Ligue 2, given the clear ambition of the club to play the climb.