Dupont update: What the FFR statement means
NEWS: Antoine Dupont’s race to be fit in time for the closing stages of the World Cup with France got underway late on Friday, when he underwent surgery to mend the facial fracture sustained against Namibia.
The French skipper played just 45 minutes of that 96-0 Pool A win in Marseille on Thursday.
He was caught in the face by the head of Johan Deysel, the Namibian captain, who was red-carded following a foul play bunker review after he was initially yellow-carded.
The injury sparked fears that Dupont’s World Cup campaign was over, but there is now hope that his operation in Toulouse will see him rejoin the France squad in the coming days and ultimately be available for the quarterfinals on the weekend of October 14.
An FFR communication on Saturday read: “Following his injury contracted during the France-Namibia match, Antoine Dupont was operated on September 22 around 23:00 at the CHU Purpan in Toulouse.
“In a few days, he will be able to return to the France team in a process of gradual sports recovery and under medical supervision.”
It’s believed a plaque was inserted to strengthen Dupont’s cheekbone and the plan is for him to rest for a week before resuming training with the aim of being fit for a quarterfinal match in three week’s time.
Touché mais pas coulé. Show must go on ⚔️. Hâte de retrouver le groupe ⏳
Merci pour vos messages pic.twitter.com/KCJYJp3Fit— 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗗𝗨𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗧 (@Dupont9A) September 23, 2023
