Saint-Étienne, France – A significant blow to AS Saint-Étienne’s Ligue 2 promotion hopes as captain and goalkeeper Gautier Larsonneur is expected to be sidelined for several weeks with a thigh injury. The injury occurred during the closing moments of Saint-Étienne’s 2-0 victory over Red Star on March 7th, and has now been confirmed as a muscle tear.
Larsonneur, a key figure for Les Verts, sustained the injury even as making a clearance during the match. Medical examinations revealed a torn muscle in his thigh, ruling him out of immediate action. The 29-year-old will miss Saturday’s crucial away fixture against Grenoble and is also likely to be unavailable for the home match against Annecy on March 21st. A return after the international break, potentially for the match against Nancy, is the current hope, though a definitive timeline remains uncertain.
Maubleu Stepping In
With Larsonneur unavailable, veteran goalkeeper Brice Maubleu is expected to seize his place between the posts. Saint-Étienne manager Philippe Montanier highlighted Maubleu’s professionalism and experience, stating, “Brice will occupy the position… I know his role (as a number two) well. He is decisive. There are players like him who embody values. He is exemplary in training, he guides his younger teammates.”
Maubleu, 36, is a familiar face to fans of Grenoble, having previously spent a decade with GF38, serving as their first-choice goalkeeper between 2014 and 2024. His experience will be invaluable as Saint-Étienne navigate this challenging period. He has featured in three Coupe de France matches for Saint-Étienne since joining the club, demonstrating his readiness to step up when called upon.
Impact on Ligue 2 Promotion Push
Despite the setback of losing their captain, Saint-Étienne remains firmly in contention for promotion to Ligue 1. They currently sit just two points behind league leaders Troyes, making every match crucial in the final stretch of the season. The team’s ability to cope with Larsonneur’s absence will be a key factor in their pursuit of a top-two finish and automatic promotion.
The injury to Larsonneur adds to an already lengthy injury list for Montanier’s side. Chico Lamba, Lassana Traoré, Joao Ferreira, Maxime Bernauer, and Florian Tardieu are all currently unavailable, presenting a significant challenge to the team’s depth. Tardieu, suffering from a calf problem, is expected to be out for several weeks as well, with no firm return date established.
Larsonneur, who joined Saint-Étienne in January 2023 for a reported €1.6 million, has been a consistent performer for the club. He has made 102 appearances for Les Verts, establishing himself as a fan favorite and a vital component of the team’s defense. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, both on and off the pitch.
The club has confirmed that Larsonneur has already begun a specific rehabilitation program, combining treatment and tailored exercises, to accelerate his recovery. The medical staff are closely monitoring his progress, with the aim of having him back in contention as soon as possible.
For Saint-Étienne supporters, the focus now shifts to supporting Maubleu and the team as they navigate this difficult period. The match against Grenoble on Saturday will be a stern test of their resilience and determination. The club will be hoping for a positive result to maintain their momentum in the promotion race.
Next up for Saint-Étienne is the trip to Grenoble on Saturday, March 15th. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM local time (2:00 PM EST). Fans can follow the match live on beIN SPORTS and through updates on the club’s official website and social media channels.
Worth a look
