Injury setback for Toulouse's Fickou calls into question World Cup hopes

France centre Gael Fickou has been ruled out for the rest of the season after injuring a ligament in his left knee. Toulouse General Manager Guy Noves told the AFP news agency on Sunday that Fickou had undergone scans but would not need an operation.

Photo: Reuters/Stefano Rellandini

The injury to Fickou’s interior cruciate ligament could jeopardise the 21-year-old’s chances of playing for France in the World Cup.

He will be out of action for at least two months after colliding with centre partner Mathieu Bastareaud in a match against Toulon on Saturday.

“It is a hard blow for the club,” Noves told AFP, citing other players who are also out for the rest of the season.

Fickou’s hopes for making the World Cup squad rests with head coach Philippe Saint-Andre who names his 36 player squad on 19 May.