Matt Moussilou has rediscovered his "taste for work" at Boulogne as he tries to get his career back on track.

The 27-year-old joined the newly-promoted northerners as a free agent earlier this month on a one-year deal as cover for Gregory Thil, who is sidelined for five months with an ankle injury.

Moussilou emerged at Lille and represented France at under-21 level before a big-money move south to Nice turned sour, and is relishing a new platform on which to shine.

He told the club's official website: "I am still young and I have things to show. I'm heading back to zero, in all humility, where I was so well received.

"I am responsible for everything that has happened to me, I do not blame others! Without doubt I will be stronger for having had the experiences I've had.

"Given my situation, Boulogne is what I needed. The club is similar to Lille - it has the taste for work, it feels good. People have welcomed me wonderfully. I feel a real desire to repay the club that has given me its hand."

As well as Thil, Boulogne coach Laurent Guyot is without Zargo Toure, Guillaume Borne, Fabien Robert and Damien Perrinelle through injury for the trip to Le Mans, while Yoann Lachor and Laurent Agouazi are suspended.

Le Mans would climb above Boulogne and out of the Ligue 1 relegation zone with a win, and are again boosted by the availability of left-sided Paraguayan midfielder Marcelo Estigarribia.

Guillaume Loriot is available after a suspension for his sending-off against Sochaux was overturned.