Poirier sidelines Diack as FC Nantes prepare for Clermont clash

FC Nantes coach Grégory Poirier has made it clear that midfielder Lamine Diack is not in his plans ahead of the Friday 20:00 Ligue 2 encounter with Clermont, the club’s 11th‑matchday fixture. The Canaris will host the visitors at Stade de la Beaujoire as they look to secure three points.

Midfield depth leaves Diack on the sidelines

At FC Nantes, Diack’s situation remains blocked.

As the Canaris prepare to receive Clermont on Friday, the Senegalese midfielder is still not among the players Poirier counts on.

He was close to a loan move to Pau last summer but ultimately stayed, having logged only a single brief appearance since joining in July 2023.

"He is not a player we count on in the current state," Poirier told Tribune Nantaise.

Diack arrived as one of the first signings of the Baptiste Drouet era and has struggled to find a place for several seasons.

After three loan spells at Colorado Rapids, Hatayspor and FC Sion, he returned to Nantes without reviving his career.

Poirier said that while relations with the player remain good, this does not guarantee a squad place.

"Apart from the fact that he does not have playing time, and a player always wants playing time, everything is going well," the coach explained.

"From the moment he is professional, there is no problem. After that, he is not a player we count on in the current state."

The main obstacle is the competition in midfield, with Poirier believing he has many options and little room for Diack.

"I have many midfielders. If there is no evolution in terms of injury or form, for now it is complicated for him. There is not much space, not much light," he added.

Poirier praised Diack’s work ethic, describing him as hard‑working, respectful and diligent.

He added that the team ensures the best players get the minutes.

Diack’s priority will be to keep training and hope for a change in the midfield hierarchy, but a return to the professional group appears unlikely in the short term.