France skipper Antoine Dupont has had an operation after he sustained a facial fracture during Les Bleus’ Rugby World Cup win over Namibia on Thursday.
The French Rugby Federation issued a statement on Dupont’s injury but did not reveal whether the 26-year-old will play again at the global showpiece.
The statement said: “Following his injury contracted during the France-Namibia match, Antoine Dupont underwent surgery on September 22 around 11pm at the Purpan University Hospital in Toulouse.
Set to return to Les Bleus
“In a few days, he will be able to return to the French team in a process of gradual return to sport under medical supervision.”
Meanwhile, Dupont took to social media to give an update on his situation. In a message posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, he said: “Show must go on. Looking forward to seeing the group again. Thank you for your messages.”
Dupont was forced off the pitch five minutes into the second half of the 96-0 battering of Namibia in their Pool A clash at Stade de Marseille.
The number nine was on the wrong end of a nasty tackle from Namibia skipper Johan Deysel, which resulted in a red card for the centre. Deysel later apologised to Dupont following the incident.
Deysel’s yellow card for the collision, with France leading 54-0, was upgraded to red following a review by the television match official and he now faces a disciplinary hearing in Paris on Tuesday.
Dupont’s injury is headline news in France, and there is a real possibility of Les Bleus losing their star player for the rest of the tournament.
France’s last pool game is against Italy in Lyon on October 6, before a quarter-final – probably against Ireland or South Africa – the following weekend.
If Les Bleus advance to the semi-finals, they will be in action in Paris on either October 20 or 21.
Received numerous messages
Dupont has received numerous messages from well-wishers as the 2021 World Player of the Year battles to keep alive his hopes of playing again in France’s home World Cup.
England defence coach Kevin Sinfield said: “I am disappointed for the competition, but we have no doubt he will be back.
“World-class players like that get themselves right very, very quickly, and I am sure he is doing everything he can.
“It will be a period of time, but you’ve seen players before play with facial fractures. So I suspect he will be back on his feet and back available very, very soon. We wish him all the best.”
READ MORE: France downplay Antoine Dupont’s injury as Rugby World Cup hopes dwindle
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