by Karl P.July 25, 2023July 25, 2023
10 Gaetan CHARBONNIER (asse) during the Ligue 2 BKT match between Saint-Etienne and Caen at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on December 30, 2022 in Saint-Etienne, France. (Photo by Alexandre Dimou/FEP/Icon Sport)
It is a return expected by many supporters and by the Saint-Etienne staff: that of Gaëtan Charbonnier. The 34-year-old striker is getting closer every day to a return to competition. After returning to the State for individualized training at the beginning of July, “Charbo” should soon resume training with contact. Before being able to play matches?
Charbonnier ahead of turnaround times
On February 11 against Dijon, Gaëtan Charbonnier was seriously injured in the 1st half. The striker, who arrived two months earlier from Auxerre, suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament. This injury could put a premature end to Charbo’s adventure in Saint-Etienne, because he had only signed for 6 months. But on June 9, ASSE formalized the striker’s extension until 2024. This one-season contract comes with an option for an additional year.
Returning permanently to the State on July 7 after having alternated stays in Clairefontaine and Sainté during his convalescence and rehabilitation, Gaëtan Charbonnier gradually resumed playing with the ball, but on his side. Doctors and medical staff did not allow him to resume play with contact. For 3 weeks, the protocol has been following its course positively. Charbo took part in the training course in La Plagne earlier this week.
Playing time this weekend for Charbo?
In a press conference, Laurent Batlles returned to the situation of his experienced striker and announced his next return to play with contact: “Gaëtan is impatient at the idea of resuming but we have to be vigilant. He is due to resume play with contact shortly“.
Gaetan Charbonnier of Saint-Etienne during the Ligue 2 BKT match between Sporting Club Bastia and Association Sportive Saint-Etienne on January 31, 2023 in Bastia, France. (Photo by Xavier Grimaldi/Icon Sport)
However, there is no question that the striker will take part in the friendly match against Annecy on Wednesday afternoon. On the other hand, the question seems to arise for the last friendly match of the preparation against Montpellier this Saturday at the MHSC training center: “He is not expected to play against Annecy. We will still plan a few minutes against Montpellier so that he has his bearings.“
photo credit: ASSE.fr
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