Mahmoud Jaber will miss AS Saint-Étienne’s upcoming fixture against Rodez on October 10 after Ian Cathro confirmed the midfielder requires a cautious reintegration period following groin surgery.
Ian Cathro Outlines Recovery Timeline for Mahmoud Jaber
The 26-year-old midfielder is expected to return to training with the collective at the Étrat sports center within ten days, according to reports from Le Progrès. While the recovery from his long-standing adductor injury is progressing, the coaching staff has ruled him out for the October 10 match against Rodez to avoid any risk of a setback.
The Israel international has struggled for consistent playing time since the beginning of 2026, appearing in January against Reims before the adductor issue sidelined him for more than two months.
Recurrent Groin Injuries Disrupt Midfield Operations
The physical difficulties began early in the year, forcing Jaber into a prolonged medical absence that ultimately required surgical intervention. After attempting a comeback in April against Dunkerque, he felt pain during a pre-match warm-up at Bastia, which sealed the decision to undergo season-ending surgery.
A brief return in September—highlighted by a 25-minute substitute appearance in a 3-1 victory over Montpellier—ended in another minor setback. Following that match, Cathro chose a cautious approach, keeping Jaber out of subsequent away fixtures against Dunkerque and Metz while citing an expected absence of several weeks.
Gradual Integration Planned for Late October
With the current international break providing a window for recovery, the technical staff anticipates integrating Jaber back into matchday squads during the second half of October. His return is expected to bolster a midfield that has carried a heavy workload through the opening months of the campaign.
Saint-Étienne recently maintained match sharpness during the international break by defeating FC Sion 5-1 in a friendly fixture, offering the squad an opportunity to test tactical adjustments while key personnel continue their rehabilitation programs off the pitch.
