The rollercoaster season for AS Saint-Étienne has hit another bump, and this time it’s a notable one. Midfielder Igor Miladinovic has been handed a three-match suspension, a decision handed down by the disciplinary committee this Thursday evening. This ruling, mirroring a similar fate for teammate Maxime Bernauer just a month prior, casts a shadow over the club’s ambitions as they navigate a crucial stretch of the 2025-26 campaign.

Miladinovic’s infraction occurred early in the team’s recent 4-0 thrashing against Annecy. A direct red card, issued for a studs-up challenge on Billemaz, immediately put the Serbian international on the sidelines. He has already served one match of his ban, missing the resounding 6-0 victory over Pau on Tuesday. While the team managed a dominant performance without him,the question remains: can they sustain this momentum against tougher opposition?

Crucial Clashes Ahead: A True Test of Depth

The upcoming fixtures present a daunting challenge for Saint-Étienne. Miladinovic will be absent for two pivotal away matches: a trip to face third-placed Red Star on November 1st, followed by a clash against league leaders Troyes on November 8th. These are precisely the kinds of games where a player of Miladinovic’s caliber, known for his midfield control and playmaking ability, is most needed.

For American sports fans accustomed to the high stakes of NFL playoff races or NBA championship runs, this situation is analogous to a star quarterback or a key defensive player being sidelined during a critical part of the season.The team’s ability to adapt and perform without their talisman will be a true measure of their depth and resilience. Think of it like a baseball team losing its cleanup hitter right before a playoff series – the remaining players have