Hicham Boudaoui ruled out as Nice face Saint-Étienne relegation decider

Claude Puel confirmed Hicham Boudaoui will miss OGC Nice’s Ligue 1 relegation decider against AS Saint-Étienne. The Algeria international exited late in Nice’s 1-0 first-leg loss. Puel named Boudaoui in Nice’s starting XI for the first leg but withdrew him at half-time. Dante remains a late fitness test ahead of the return. Nice trail 1-0 after conceding a late winner in Saint-Étienne. Puel’s side hosts the second leg at Allianz Riviera on May 18. Boudaoui joined Nice from Angers SCO in January 2024. He has made 12 Ligue 1 appearances this season. Dante, signed from FC Nantes in July 2023, has played 23 Ligue 1 games for Nice. His status for the decider remains uncertain. Nice need a win to avoid relegation. A draw or loss would confirm their drop to Ligue 2.