Boudaoui ruled out as Nice face Saint-Étienne relegation decider

Claude Puel confirmed OGC Nice will be without Hicham Boudaoui for the second leg of their Ligue 1 promotion/relegation playoff against AS Saint-Étienne. The Algeria international injured his hamstring in the first leg. Boudaoui, 28, missed training on Tuesday after aggravating the injury. Puel stated the midfielder will not recover in time for the return fixture scheduled for May 27. Dante also trained separately after missing the previous session due to a calf issue. The defender’s availability remains uncertain ahead of the decisive match. Nice lost the first leg 1-0 at home to Saint-Étienne, who lead the two-legged tie on aggregate. The winner will secure a Ligue 1 spot for next season. Puel emphasized the importance of the squad’s full strength despite the absences. He called the upcoming fixture the most critical of the campaign. The second leg will take place at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on May 27.