Sebastien Puygrenier unsure over reception

Sebastien Puygrenier unsure over reception

Sebastien Puygrenier is unsure what reception he will receive from the Nancy faithful when he makes his return to the Stade Marcel-Picot in Monaco colours.

The giant centre-back quit Nancy last summer after helping them to a memorable fourth-placed finish in Ligue 1 in the 2007/08 season, and made a big-money move to Zenit St Petersburg.

He failed to settle in Russia and after spending the second half of last season on loan at Bolton, he finds himself back in France with Monaco.

Ahead of his first return to the Lorraine club where he spent five successful years, Puygrenier said: "I don't know if I am going to be applauded but whatever happens, it will be a special feeling for me.

"Especially since I didn't get the chance to say goodbye to the fans when I left for Zenit. Because of an injury, I missed the end of the championship (in 2007/08)."

Puygrenier, who is on a season-long loan at the principality club, was part of a Monaco rearguard that successfully shackled hot-shot Toulouse striker Andre-Pierre Gignac last weekend.

Monaco won 1-0 at the Stade Louis II and with Nancy having claimed three points from their opener, a 3-1 triumph at Valenciennes, both teams will this weekend be defending 100% records.

Nancy coach Pablo Correa will be able to call upon striker Paul Alo'o Efoulou, who is fit after sustaining a knock in a pre-season match against Juventus.

Damian Macaluso and Abdeslam Ouaddou are back from suspension but Cheick Diabate (adductors) and Youssouf Hadji (foot) miss out again.

Monaco will be without captain Diego Perez, who is suspended after his red card against Toulouse, but new signing Eduardo Costa could make his debut in midfield.