This Wednesday, October 30, the Toulouse residents left the Pink City for Saverdun, in Ariège, for the very first relocated training of the season. Of course, the internationals were not there, joining Toulouse later in the evening. Here is some news on the state of health of the troops before the trip to the Basque Country for the 9th day of Top 14 against Aviron Bayonnais.
Richie Arnold out for at least three weeks
The bad news of the week concerns Richie Arnold, the Australian colossus of the Toulouse pack. Came into play against Toulon last Sunday, he only stayed ten minutes before having to give up his place, the fault of an acromioclavicular dislocation.
Arnold will be sidelined for at least three weeks, with a medical review planned at the end of this period. An absence that is all the more detrimental as it occurs during a period of duplicates. The usual holders Flament and Meafou are retained with the XV of France.
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Another notable absence, that of Julien Marchand. Victim of a calf strain, the hooker will also be out of the match at Jean Dauger. « Nothing serious » according to the medical staff, who prefer to take precautions and offer him rest. In addition, Alban Placines, as well as the long-term injured Cyril Baille, Romain Ntamack and Nepo Laulala, are also unavailable.
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As for Ntamack, if he has not yet returned to the field, he is full of hope despite his calf injury which deprived him of the fall tour. “Worried“according to his recent statements, the Blues fly-half is however staying the course and hopes to soon return to the top of his form.
Some feedback
On the good news side, we note the return of Pierre-Louis Barassi, ready to be at the center of the attack against Bayonne. Naoto Saito, who was spared last weekend for rib pain, is also in good shape. As for Matthis Castro-Ferreira, the third row, he participated normally in training this week. He who has not yet seen a match sheet this season could well secure his place for the trip to Basque soil.
Between the infirmary and the gradual return of certain elements, the Toulouse Stadium seems ready for this perilous trip against a Bayonne team that is still formidable at home. And even if the internationals are missing, the Stadium will undoubtedly field a competitive team.
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