Hicham Boudaoui could return to the heart of Nice’s plans when Strasbourg arrive on the Côte d’Azur on Sunday, with coach Olivier Pantaloni leaving open the possibility of a starting place for the Algeria midfielder.
Nice host Strasbourg at 15:00 on Sunday, and Boudaoui’s status is one of the main selection questions after he has played only four minutes so far this season. His sole appearance came in the 1-0 defeat at Auxerre on 12 September.
Competition growing in Nice midfield
Pantaloni said Boudaoui could be included in the matchday squad and may even start against Strasbourg. The coach reported that his available players are back in contention, apart from the club’s long-term absentees, although fitness levels vary within the group, particularly among those returning from international duty.
The potential return of Boudaoui would give Nice greater depth in an area that had previously been short of options. Pantaloni believes the increased numbers will create genuine competition for places in midfield.
“Hicham can be in the squad and could even start,” Pantaloni said. “It brings competition in midfield, where we were not very well stocked. There are beginning to be more players available and competition will take hold. You can feel Hicham is coming back into the picture.”
Witsel and Coulibaly started against Lille
Before the international break, Nice used a two-man midfield in their 2-1 win over Lille. New captain Axel Witsel partnered Djibril Coulibaly in that match.
Boudaoui’s possible involvement against Strasbourg would offer Pantaloni another option as Nice seek to build on that victory, with the midfielder now pushing to turn a four-minute season into a more substantial role.
