St Etienne coach Christophe Galtier is refusing to focus on current injury problems ahead of tomorrow's Ligue 1 match against Sochaux.

ASSE have won two and lost two at the start of the season and now face bottom side Sochaux, who are yet to earn a point in the league campaign this term.

Galtier believes absences in a side can help to strengthen his squad and give fringe players a chance at the start of a long season.

Earlier this week, Francois Clerc was ruled out for four to six weeks with a knee problem and defender Kurt Zouma is also likely to miss out.

The St Etienne boss told the club's official website: ``Injuries are part of the hazards of a season. So far, we have not had major physical problems.

``I do not want to focus on absences. We have solutions. I have a quality squad.

``Some absences will allow others to express themselves in a team with confidence. This is a good opportunity for them to show.

``We will select the most competitive team possible to beat Sochaux. The friendly match against Dijon served to give rhythm and playing time to players who do not have much opportunity.''

Despite Sochaux's lowly place in the league table, Galtier has dismissed the notion of complacency following his side's back-to-back wins over Bastia and Brest.

``Certainly, Sochaux are in trouble but we do not think it will be easy,'' Galtier said.

``We must build on our last two games. To win, we will offer a lot by staying offensive and maintaining our defensive security.

``The game plan is to put your opponent under pressure to have the maximum of possession to create maximum opportunities.''