Quentin Braat returned to team training with Rodez on Tuesday, moving closer to a competitive comeback after a long injury lay-off. The 29-year-old goalkeeper, out since August 14th with a calf muscle lesion, could now reclaim his starting spot for the trip to face AS Saint-Étienne at the Geoffroy-Guichard on October 10th.
The absence of the first-choice keeper has been felt. Head coach Didier Santini first turned to backup Lucas Margueron, then to Enzo Crombez, who started the final match before the international break. That game ended in a 3-4 home defeat to Nancy, a result that highlights Rodez's defensive struggles. Sitting 14th in Ligue 2 with seven points, the Aveyron club has the leakiest defence in the league, having conceded sixteen goals in seven matches. This defensive frailty is the primary reason for the club's position, despite having scored eight goals this season, a total higher than several teams above them in the table.
Braat's confidence
In an interview with radio Totem during the break, the goalkeeper expressed confidence. "The injury could have been more serious," he said. "I'm lucky to be surrounded by a medical staff that is really very competent." Braat added, "I resumed collective training on Tuesday. All last week I was in the hands of the goalkeeping coach." The Fontainebleau-born player is now working to regain peak physical condition, with the goal of being fully operational for the clash against Saint-Étienne.
The return of his number one is a welcome boost for Santini ahead of a major challenge. Rodez face the league leaders, Saint-Étienne, who have the division's most potent attack with fourteen goals scored. Restored stability in goal could clarify the hierarchy and bring calm to a team on a three-match losing streak, the last two of which saw the team concede four goals each time. The schedule for upcoming games can be found on our fixtures page. Quentin Braat aims to reach 200% readiness for the clash at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, where Rodez will look to end a poor run that has seen the team lose its last three league matches.
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