Injury Ends Josuha Guilavogui’s Season, World Cup Hopes in Doubt
AS Saint-Étienne midfielder Josuha Guilavogui has suffered a significant setback, with confirmation that a hamstring injury will sideline him for the remainder of the season — and possibly end his hopes of representing France at the upcoming World Cup in Brazil.
The Franco-Guinean sustained the injury during Saint-Étienne’s recent 2-2 draw against Reims, and medical assessments have since confirmed that he will be out of action for at least four weeks. The news was officially announced by head coach Christophe Galtier in a press conference, and later confirmed by the club on social media.
“His season is over, he has four weeks to go. And for the World Cup, things are getting more complicated,” Galtier said. “He will see with the French national team staff about what comes next.”
Guilavogui, currently on loan from Spanish side Atlético Madrid, rejoined Saint-Étienne in January in search of regular game time ahead of the summer tournament. However, his return to Ligue 1 has been hampered by fitness issues, limiting him to just seven appearances since the mid-season switch.
With competition fierce for midfield places in Didier Deschamps’ France squad, this injury could not have come at a worse time. While not guaranteed a spot, Guilavogui was seen as a possible backup option in midfield, having earned senior caps in the past and been part of the national setup.
Now, his participation in Brazil appears increasingly unlikely, barring a swift and unexpected recovery. For Saint-Étienne, the absence of the 23-year-old for the final stretch of the season is also a blow as they chase European qualification.
Guilavogui’s future beyond the summer remains unclear, with his loan spell at Saint-Étienne set to end and his long-term role at Atlético Madrid still in question. For now, the midfielder faces a race against time to regain full fitness and keep his World Cup dream alive.
