Evian Boosted by Abdallah’s Return Ahead of Crucial Reims Clash
By BBC Sport
Evian Thonon Gaillard will welcome back right-back Kassim Abdallah for their crucial Ligue 1 encounter against Reims on Sunday, as the club continues its fight for top-flight survival.
Abdallah missed last weekend’s match against Saint-Étienne due to suspension but has been included in manager Pascal Dupraz’s squad for the trip to the Stade Auguste-Delaune. His return is a timely boost for the Savoyard side, who are just four points clear of the relegation zone with three matches remaining.
The stakes could hardly be higher. While Evian are currently just above the drop zone, their Ligue 1 status is far from secure. A positive result against Reims would be a vital step toward ensuring another season in France’s top tier.
Manager Pascal Dupraz, known for his passionate leadership, will be looking to galvanise his squad for what could be a defining weekend in the relegation battle. The team will rely on experienced figures such as Cedric Mongongu, Jonathan Mensah, and Olivier Sorlin, as well as creative talents like Daniel Wass and Gianni Bruno Bérigaud, to deliver under pressure.
Evian’s 18-man squad for the Reims clash includes:
Goalkeepers: Hansen, Laquait
Defenders: Abdallah, Mongongu, Mensah, Angoula, Boy
Midfielders: Sorlin, Koné, Tié Bi, Boccara, Wass, Benezet
Forwards: Sougou, Bérigaud, Nsikulu, Ruben, Abarouai
With Ligue 1 survival on the line, Sunday’s match will be a test of Evian’s resilience and character. A win in Reims would provide breathing room ahead of the final two fixtures — but anything less could drag them deeper into danger.
