Romain Ntamack was scared. Forced to leave his partners in the 39th minute of the match between Stade Toulouse and Clermont (48-14) on Saturday, the 25-year-old flyhalf was worried when leaving the pitch at the Ernest-Wallon stadium. Visibly affected in the lower right leg, the French international (37 caps) finally suffered a torn calf, according to information revealed by RMC Sport and L’Équipe this Sunday evening.
If the worst, and a potential injury to the Achilles tendon, has been avoided, Ntamack should nevertheless undergo a period of unavailability of three to four weeks. An annoying setback for the native of Toulouse, who returned to the field last March after his terrible rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee which occurred on August 12, 2023, on the eve of the World Cup organized in France.
Too short for Japan, available against the Blacks?
Eager to regain the blue jersey for the first time since that fatal preparation match against Scotland more than a year ago, the four-time winner of the Top 14 will have to wait. It will in fact be too short for the test match scheduled against Japan on November 9, at the Stade de France. On the other hand, if his injury resolves normally, Ntamack should be able to join the Blues at Marcoussis and therefore apply for a place in Fabien Galthié’s group for the oppositions against New Zealand, on November 16, and against Argentina, on November 22.
Another problem: the Haut-Garonnais will not be able to test themselves in the championship, since no Top 14 day is scheduled between November 2 and 23.
Romain Ntamack was injured alone this Saturday against Clermont, collapsing on the pitch in the 39th minute before taking his head in his hands. Tight jaw, dark look, the international fly-half had returned to the locker room with the support of the doctor from the Stade Toulouse.
