MHSC: Joris Chotard back from the Olympics, Sagnan and Kouyaté back in training… Montpellier’s squad is expanding four days before Ligue 1

Joris Chotard a repris avec Montpellier. Midi Libre – JEAN-MICHEL MART

Five days after the Olympic final against Spain, the midfielder has resumed training. The two central defenders Modibo Sagnan and “Kiki” Kouyaté took part in the session, four days before the season resumes on Sunday against Strasbourg

A smile spreads and lights up the gloomy sky of Grammont. On Wednesday, Joris Chotard, silver medallist on Friday at the Paris Olympics with Thierry Henry's Bleuets, has resumed his habits in Montpellier with a smile that he cannot hide.

His old accomplices: Téji Savanier and Jordan Ferri, but not only them, are happy for him. Happy that this Olympic reward falls to this model partner at the end of a journey stopped in the final by the unavoidable Spain and an excellent individual performance, notably during a semi-final against a stunning Egypt.

The defensive midfielder (22 years old) is preparing to play the resumption of the League on Sunday 18 August (5 p.m.) 1 at the Mosson against Strasbourg in a Montpellier team struggling during the preparation. Wednesday, at the dawn of his 6th season, he got back on the train before perhaps getting off it by August 30 and the close of the transfer window.

Sagnan's return

Montpellier is currently suffering from defensive instability. On Wednesday, Montpellier coach Michel Der Zakarian, back in charge of the team after a family tragedy, welcomed the recovery of his two central defenders: Modibo Sagnan and “Kiki” Kouyaté.

Read also: MHSC: Montpellier end their preparation with a defeat in Mainz (3-1)

Sagnan, who came off in the 6th minute of play on Saturday in Mainz for the last friendly match (3-1), did individual work with a coach for two sessions after having an infiltration at the start of the week.

Sagnan, who is experiencing discomfort in his left knee, will resume team training on Thursday during a rehearsal on the pitch in perfect condition at the Stade de la Mosson. The former Utrecht defender, who arrived last winter to replace Maxime Estève, should apply for a starting spot alongside Becir Omeragic. If all goes well.

Fayad in re-athleticization

“Kiki” Kouyaté is also smiling. On Tuesday, the Malian international resumed training with a larger group. Interrupted in his preparation due to knee inflammation, the athletic central defender is able to be in the group against the Alsatians. And to respond in case of emergency.

Midfielder Khalil Fayad, injured in the thigh during the first friendly match against Girona (3-3), continues his re-athleticization work alongside left-back Lucas Mincarelli. The other left-hander Théo Sainte-Luce has clearly taken the road to Clairefontaine, the FFF technical center, to treat his torn thigh for about ten days.

With Christopher Jullien (knee) and Axel Guéguin (knee), they will experience the return to action in the stands of the Mosson. With the Montpellier public, they will probably share Joris Chotard's smile.