After his injury during the 2023 play-offs, Antoine Belkessa decided “not to resume”. However, a year later, here he is again on the floor. A recovery that is not always easy, by his own admission: “It’s physically hard. You have to get back into rhythm and, above all, get your body reaccustomed to intensive practice, especially during preparation. » Not yet 100%, he hopes it will get better and better.
Even though he has participated in all the championship matches so far, he was spared in the Cup against Bonchamp.
Uncertain for Cergy
“Since the start of the season, I have had little problems. In the adductor, in the calf…”recognizes the Laval fullback, who is still uncertain for this weekend but who hopes to be operational. « Sébastien (Cartier) will make a choice, but I think it will be ok. »
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This match is also of particular importance in his eyes: “We don’t necessarily have the ambition of Cergy, but given the ranking and the good momentum since the start of the season, we want to play this match with all our weapons. For me, it’s important to be there. »
Cergy currently has the same record as Laval, after its heavy defeat at Gravenchon (93-71) on the last day. A result which does not fit with the ambitions of the club: “It’s a team built to move up, with already a squad for the N1. All positions are doubled with players referenced well above N2 » , it Belkessa.
The Ile-de-France residents will therefore be keen to erase this setback at home. A situation that does not frighten l’US Laval : “We go there without pressure. We will try to be in the match as long as possible, and make them doubt. » The Laval residents will try to rely on their strengths: “A united defensive block and good alternation. If you’re good at three points, that’s a plus. Now, for me, that’s not our main strength this year. »
The group
LAVAL. Foucher, Mormin, Forre, Gelu, Perazza, Belkessa, Gregoire, Benon, Hanson.
