AS Saint-Étienne’s hopes for a resurgence under new manager Eirik Horneland have taken a serious hit as their star striker, Ibrahim Sissoko, faces a significant suspension.
The French Football Federation (FFF) has handed the 29-year-old Malian international a seven-match ban—two of which are suspended—for an incident during a Coupe de France clash against Olympique Marseille. Sissoko was shown a red card just 21 minutes into the December 22 match for striking Leonardo Balerdi in the face.
Saint-Étienne crumbled after his dismissal, suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat in the round of 64 and crashing out of the competition.
Sissoko’s absence leaves a void in the team’s attack. With three league goals this season, he trails only Zuriko Davitashvili, who leads the squad with five.
Horneland, appointed in late December to replace Olivier Dall’Oglio, faces a tough start to his tenure. He’ll debut in Ligue 1 this weekend when Les Verts host Stade de Reims at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, hoping to adapt quickly without his key striker.
