Toulouse (AFP)

Toulouse center Sofiane Guitoune, victim of a rupture of the anterior ligament of the left knee during the defeat against Montpellier (29-16) on Saturday in the Top 14, the day of his 32 years, will not play again this season, confirmed on Tuesday the Haut-Garonnais club.

A new blow for the player who had just returned from injury, but also for Stade Toulouse as the Top 14 and European Cup finals approached, when his position is already particularly lacking.

"In life, either you turn your back on your problems, or you face them ... As always I will fight. Thank you all for your birthday and recovery messages," shared Monday on social networks. international with 9 selections under the jersey of the XV of France.

His injury comes on top of those of Lucas Tauzin, Pierre Fouyssac and Juan Mallia before a perilous trip to the Munster field on Saturday in the round of 16 of the European Cup, for which the center Pita Ahki is uncertain due to pain. to the Achilles tendon.

In their absence, Toulouse coach Ugo Mola could align Australian opener Zack Holmes and young Dimitri Delibes in Ireland in the center.

Uncertainty also hangs over winger Yoann Huget, who also feels pain in the Achilles tendon, while second row Joe Tekori will pass urgently Wednesday before the disciplinary committee of the National Rugby League (LNR) after having been cited for a contentious action at the end of the match against Montpellier.

The only good news: the return of New Zealand third row Jerome Kaino, hit in the elbow at the end of February during the victory in La Rochelle (14-11).

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