France issue injury updates on Damian Penaud and Antoine Dupont

France support coach Karim Ghezal has issued an injury update on winger Damian Penaud and captain Antoine Dupont following last night’s Rugby World Cup win over Italy in Lyon.

Les Bleus booked their spot in the knockout stages of the competition after thrashing Italy 60-7 in an ultimately one-sided affair.

It now sets up a quarter-final against one of Scotland, South Africa or Ireland but Fabien Galthie will be hoping that Dupont – France’s captain and star player – returns to the field for the pivotal game.

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Dupont’s next marker will be whether or not his surgeon clears him to play, a meeting which will take place next week. By the sounds of things, his return is looking increasingly likely.

He said that injured scrumhalf Dupont is in ‘great shape’ as he battles to be considered fit for France in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.

“His physical qualities are impressive. He’s worked hard physically, done a lot of running, a lot of speed work. Those are his strong points. The next step, is the appointment with his surgeon, who will decide. Physically, he hasn’t lost much in the week he’s been off, quite the opposite in fact. Physically, he’s in great shape.”

Ghezal also issued an update on Damian Penaud, who was seen limping last night following their victory over Italy in their last pool stage match.

“Everything’s fine,” said Ghezal in regards to Penaud, who scored a brace of tries against Italy.  “It happens to him in training too. I think it’s a slight knock to his tibia. All the players are going to have a medical assessment this morning. From what I’ve heard, we don’t have any concerns with any players. Damian is 100 per cent.”

The game also saw the successful comebacks of back row Anthony Jelonch and prop Cyril Baille.

“Their comebacks are down to the quality of the medical staff and performance work to get them back on the pitch. We’ve got 33 players who started out and have gone from strength to strength. Some were ruled out by injury, while others, like Cyril, started the competition with an injury and came back.

“With Cyril, if you look at the first defensive touch of the match, he does a sprint. Each time he has a lot of energy, he goes from strength to strength. Anthony is the same. He’s had one match after another and he’s performing well in his strong points.

“As for Julien (Marchand), we’re waiting to see how he progresses and we hope to see him back playing in the tournament. As long as he’s with us, that means we’re counting on him for the games ahead. After that, we’ll give it a couple of days and see how he is. He’s been running. I’ll be told on Monday or Tuesday whether he’s fit.”