Montpellier vs Bastia preview - Bakar: "I made mistakes"

Montpellier striker Djamel Bakar admits he made mistakes in his rehabilitation programme as he prepares to start his first game for 16 months against Bastia on Saturday evening.

The France Under-21 international ruptured cruciate knee ligaments in November 2013 and has had to be patient waiting for game-time this season.

Bakar has made 13 appearances this season but every one has been from the bench, however Montpellier coach Rolland Courbis has confirmed the 25-year-old will start Bastia's Ligue 1 visit to the Stade de la Mosson et du Mondial 98 after Paraguay striker Lucas Barrios returned late from international duty.

"I was very well cared for, very well supported," Bakar told the 20minutes.fr website about his long battle to make a full recovery.

"But during my injury, I made several personal mistakes.

"I have tried to catch up and I hope that over the games I'm going to find my form."

Montpellier lie seventh in Ligue 1 but their last outing before the international break was a 1-0 defeat at relegation-threatened Evian and Bakar admits they can not be distracted by the prospect of playing in Europe next season.

"I think that we must first focus on Bastia," Bakar said.

"We will make statements after the match against Bordeaux (on the last day of the season).

"This is the best solution not to have too much pressure and address matches properly."

Bastia are in 13th position in the table, five points above the relegation zone, but they have not lost to Montpellier in the last four league meetings between the two clubs and not even conceded in the last three.