Racing 92 made news official this Tuesday which will delight neither Ile-de-France supporters nor those of the French XV. Gaël Fickou, injured during the match against LOU this Sunday, was operated on Monday for a broken left thumb. Verdict: six to eight weeks of absence for the 30-year-old center, an essential part of Fabien Galthié's team.
Double punishment for Fickou
Coming out at half-time against Lyon, Fickou (93 caps) already wore an impressive bandage on his hand. The subsequent examinations confirmed the worst: a fracture requiring surgical intervention. Operated immediately, the player will be unavailable for the start of the Six Nations Tournament.
The Blues will therefore have to compose without their leader in the center for the opening of the Tournament against Wales on January 31 at the Stade de France. The injury could also deprive him of the crucial trip to England on February 8. His return is hoped for the match against Italy in Rome on February 23, but nothing is certain yet.
Racing: a void difficult to fill
On the Racing 92 side, the news is hardly more encouraging. In difficulty in the rankings, the Ile-de-France residents will have to do without their captain and playing master for almost two months. Fickou's absence adds to a series of complications in a season where problems seem to be piling up for the club.
“Gaël is a pillar of our system, but he is also an immense professional”declared a member of the racing staff to L’Equipe. “We know that he will do everything possible to return as quickly as possible.”
The French XV weakened before the Tournament
For Fabien Galthié, the loss of Fickou adds to a list of injuries that could grow in January, while Top 14 matches continue to expose players to risks. The former Toulouse player is not only a major offensive asset, but also a leader on the pitch.
The Blues, already under pressure to win back the Tournament after a close second place last year, will have to find a quick solution to compensate for this absence. Jonathan Danty, if he recovers from his physical problems, could be an option. But for now, one certainty: the Tournament will begin without Gaël Fickou.
