Saint-Etienne vs Caen preview - Galtier wants players to step up

St Etienne coach Christophe Galtier expects his players to raise their game to compensate for the absence of centre-back Loic Perrin.

The 29-year-old is sidelined for up to six weeks with a thigh problem but Galtier believes his side will cope with that and a congested schedule over the next few weeks.

"We know the importance Loic takes on the team and in the game," Galtier told the club's website.

"Having said that, we have other central defenders and we look to them to take over.

"Mouss (Bayal Sall) should assert himself in terms of leadership and everyone should do a little more to compensate for the lack of Loic.

"We have seven matches in three weeks and this concentration will cause fatigue and can also cause injury.

"We have solutions. I have no concern."

St Etienne host Caen looking to bounce back from their 5-0 defeat to Paris St Germain before the international break.

"They are a well-organised team which has a good ability to get the ball quickly and to move forward," Galtier added.

"Caen have scored as many goals as we have, conceded only two from the penalty spot and have won two away games so this is a difficult challenge."

The visitors are only a point behind in ninth, also heading into the game after a defeat having lost to Stade Rennes.

Forward Lenny Nangis is looking to improve his league goalscoring record having scored just three times in as many seasons.

"I have to hit the target more often but most important is to create chances," he told smcaen.fr.

The 20-year-old believes they have to approach this weekend's game positively.

"These clubs are like us with weaknesses that we must exploit," he added.

"We must not be afraid of the opponent. You have to let go and play our football."