Injured in the face during the match against Namibia, Antoine Dupont underwent surgery on Friday evening, the French Rugby Federation announced. Will he be able to play again with the Blues in this World Cup?
The 46th minute of the France-Namibia match was synonymous with a cold shower for rugby fans. They were able to see Antoine Dupont receive a violent headbutt to the face, then exit with his head down. Very quickly, the fears were confirmed. The captain of the French XV and best player in the world 2021 suffers from a maxillo-zygomatic fracture, involving several weeks of unavailability. In the first hours following this announcement, it seemed the competition was over for the scrum-half. But this Saturday, September 23, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced that the player had undergone surgery the day before, maintaining the hope of a return.
No return date for Antoine Dupont
Antoine Dupontwill be able to return to the French team in a gradual recovery process and under medical supervision“, said the FFR in a press release. Neither the organization nor the XV of France have however communicated on a date of return to competition. This should of course depend on the evolution of the injury. The face is a very exposed area, and rugby players are prohibited from playing with rigid protections, considered dangerous for opponents. Other elements, however, favor a return of Antoine Dupont.
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Antoine Dupont could play a semi-final
On the one hand, his injury does not a priori compromise his mobility. It is therefore possible that he will be able to continue technical, muscular and cardio training. On the other hand, there is still more than a month until the final. However, according to Doctor Bernard Dusfour, former president of the medical commission of the National Rugby League, it takes approximately four weeks for a return to competition after such an injury. The semi-finals will take place on October 20 and 21, and the final on October 28. On paper, Antoine Dupont could be put back. But there remains a major obstacle. He will most likely be unavailable for the quarter-final on October 14 or 15. However, this match will probably have the air of a final before its time. France risks playing against one of the other favorites of the competition, Ireland or South Africa.
