AS Monaco forward Valere Germain is taking nothing for granted when his side welcome Saint-Etienne to the Stade Louis II this weekend, but is comforted by the news that Max Gradel will be suspended for the match.
READ MORE:
Reims vs. Monaco Ligue 1 match preview: Can Monegasques rediscover their defensive invincibility?
Saint-Etienne’s Max Gradel secures draw for Ivory Coast
Monaco news
The Ivorian winger has been one of the Stephanois’ key men so far this term. In 2015, since returning from a victorious showing at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, the Ivorian has been in unstoppable form. He has scored six goals in his last five games, including a brace in ASSE’s 2-0 triumph over LOSC Lille ahead of the international break.
However, a yellow card received in that match rules him out of Saint-Etienne’s clash with Monaco on Friday evening.
It is a fixture that may have major consequences in the fight for European places, with Monaco (in fourth) only one point ahead of Christophe Galtier’s side.
“They’re a side packed with quality,” began Monaco forward Valere Germain, speaking to the club’s official website.
“They defend well and have a top goalkeeper,” he continued, paying tribute to former Monaco stopper Stephane Ruffier.
“They have quite a few players in good form at the moment, but fortunately for us Max-Alain Gradel will be suspended for Friday’s match.”