Mincarelli back, Touré on the bench, Omeragic and Kouyaté dotted: MHSC could recover vital forces against Auxerre

Lucas Mincarelli devrait débuter face à l’AJA, dimanche, a annoncé Michel Der Zakarian. Midi Libre – JEAN-MICHEL MART

Décimé par les absences et blessures depuis le début de la saison, Montpellier pourrait récupérer plusieurs éléments pour la réception d’Auxerre, dimanche 22 septembre.

After the storm comes the good weather, it seems. Last in Ligue 1, Montpellier is still a long way from the blazing sun. But it will be able to count on the presence of Lucas Mincarelli, the recruit Birama Touré and perhaps Becir Omeragic on Sunday against Auxerre, announced its coach Michel Der Zakarian, Friday at a press conference.

The Ligue 1 ranking

Before the technician's eyes, the list of absentees, written on a sheet, remains significant. Jullien, Saint-Luce, Maamma, Chotard, Tamari, Sylla… All are still on the sidelines. “You saw how we trained today, said the coach, after counting nine absentees in Rennes (3-0) last Sunday. There are ten players who have gone out on the field and others who are being treated because they need to recover, they are tired, they have minor injuries.” “The worst-case scenario”? Yes, because we have a lot of injuries. It's terrible to have such a full infirmary and the guys don't come back…", Der Zak whispers.

"We'll talk to Becir"

But this time he should be able to rely on feedback. Injured in the knee at the Toulon Festival with the French U20 team at the beginning of June, left-back Lucas Mincarelli is fit. "He is back with us, he will start the match", confided the Hérault coach whose latest reinforcement, Birama Touré, could also see his first minutes. “He will be on the bench”, specified Michel Der Zakarian while the midfielder, short of preparation, is trying to catch up since his arrival in mid-September.

Uncertainty, however, hangs over “Kiki” Kouyaté. If the Malian, injured in the knee, trained this week, his presence does not seem to be completely guaranteed. As for Becir Omeragic. Affected by the death of his father this week, the Swiss defender is expected this Friday in Grammont. “We will see tomorrow morning. “We're going to talk together,” his coach said.