Estac Troyes - injuries & suspensions October 2026

Troyes return to Ligue 1 after three seasons in the second tier. They won Ligue 2 in the 2025/2026 campaign, finishing five points clear of the next team. One of the heroes of their promotion was Tawfik Bentayeb, the on-loan striker who scored 18 goals. Over the summer, however, Troyes had to prepare for life in a much stronger league while coming to terms with the departures of several young players. The squad has little experience at the highest level, so staying up will be a major challenge.

Dumont stays in charge

Stéphane Dumont remains at the helm, having also led the team during the promotion-winning season. He previously worked at Guingamp, among other clubs, where he finished in the top half of the Ligue 2 table three times. Troyes have opted for a coach who knows the squad and is expected to continue working with young players.

The academy plays a major role at the club. Recently, as many as 12 of its players signed their first professional contracts. That does not mean they will all be ready to play in Ligue 1 straight away, though. Dumont will have to decide which young players to trust and where he needs footballers with experience in the senior game.

New arrivals ahead of the season

One of the most intriguing signings is Patrick Beach. The 23-year-old Australian goalkeeper joined Troyes after playing for Melbourne City and representing his country at the World Cup. He is comfortable building from the back, which could suit Dumont’s preferred style. Iron Gomis has strengthened the midfield. The 26-year-old has already played in France, Turkey, Italy and Azerbaijan. His experience could prove useful to a team in which many players are only just beginning their senior careers.

Keeping Junior Diaz was also important. The defender returned from his loan spell at Brest and extended his Troyes contract until 2030. He has already played in Ligue 1, so he will not be starting from scratch in the division. The attack has also been reshaped. Hugo Picard joined on loan from Columbus Crew, while Dermane Karim arrived at Troyes from Lommel after spending last season at Lorient. Jérémy Le Douaron joined on loan from Palermo. He can play as a centre-forward or on the left wing. Timothé Nkada has also joined the squad.

Scoring will be harder without Bentayeb

The biggest concern ahead of the new season is Tawfik Bentayeb’s departure. The Moroccan scored 18 goals in Ligue 2 and played a huge part in the promotion campaign. His loan spell has now ended, however, and he has not stayed at Troyes, leaving the coach to find a new player who can shoulder some of the goalscoring burden.

The club have also lost several young players. Mathys Detourbet moved to Manchester City, while Sankhoun Diawara joined AC Milan. Both were among the group of promising players whose development fitted into Troyes’ long-term plans. Martin Adeline has also left for Hamburger SV, while Yasser Larouci has joined Le Mans.

Experience will be important too

Captain Adrien Monfray and Renaud Ripart remain important figures in the young squad. Both can help their teammates as the team adjusts to the level of Ligue 1. Troyes want to develop young players, but they cannot lose sight of results. If there are not enough players on the pitch capable of taking responsibility for the team, pressure could quickly mount. Monfray and Ripart will therefore be important for more than just their performances on the pitch.

Staying up is the priority

Promotion to Ligue 1 capped a successful season for Troyes, but the team now face a battle to stay in the top flight. The club have lost their leading scorer, Bentayeb, as well as several talented young players. Their departures have weakened the squad, and the new arrivals will need time to settle in. Finding a new source of goals will be one of the most important tasks. Troyes must adapt quickly to the higher level of competition, because promotion-day enthusiasm alone will not be enough to keep them in Ligue 1.