Rugby World Cup: Antoine Dupont has undergone surgery and will “be able to return to the French team”

2023-09-23 09:24:57

Everything is accelerating for the captain of the French XV. Following his injury contracted during the France – Namibia match, a “maxillo-zygomatic fracture”, Antoine Dupont was operated on Friday around 11 p.m. at the Purpan University Hospital in Toulouse, the French Rugby Federation indicated this Saturday. “In a few days, he will be able to return to the French team in a process of progressive sporting resumption and under medical supervision,” adds the FFR.

The diagnosis could have sent him straight home, as it seems difficult to come back from such an injury. But the staff of the XV of France had little hope. Provided you quickly make a decision on how to try to get the captain back on his feet and optimize healing times. The most optimistic specialists mention the possibility of a return to the field after four weeks and therefore before the end of the World Cup (October 28).

According to François Morel, maxillofacial surgeon, operating the day after the injury “can be defended so that the post-operation period (before a possible semi-final, October 20 or 21) is as long as possible”. This will give Dupont more time to get back on his feet. “The operation will just be more technical, because it will take place in the most acute phase,” specified the specialist.

The scrum half (26 years old) had to leave his partners at the start of the second half against Namibia on Thursday, when the opposing captain, Johan Deysel, had severely hit him in the cheekbone. The tricolor star was directly transported to hospital for initial examinations. He spent the night there and, on Friday morning, the XV of France announced the news: the Toulouse player suffered from a maxillo-zygomatic fracture.

He returned to Toulouse during the day to consult the advice of specialists and choose the best solution to shorten the healing process. Together, they therefore opted for the operation. Dupont’s race against the clock is on more than ever.