The end of the season for Toulouse’s Italian full-back or winger Ange Capuozzo, hit in the shoulder blade, is seriously compromised, AFP learned on Wednesday from a source close to the player, confirming information from L’Equipe. Capuozzo was injured after thirteen minutes of play on Sunday in Toulouse’s victory over Lyon (36-31), counting for the 22nd day of the Top 14.
A source in the entourage of the Italian international (10 caps) told AFP that the 23-year-old player should no longer play before the end of the season. According to the sports daily, Capuozzo should be out for at least ten weeks. Barring a blow, he should therefore be back in time for the World Cup in France (September 8-October 28), said the same source. The former Grenoble player (Pro D2) had already injured his shoulder blade at the end of February, during the defeat against Ireland (34-20), and had been absent for two months. Against the Lou, Sunday, he made his return to competition before being replaced by the captain of the Blues Antoine Dupont.
This season, Capuozzo has played nine Top 14 matches, including seven as a starter, for four tries. Stade Toulousain, leader of the championship, is also still in the race for the Champions Cup, where the Red and Blacks will face the Irish of Leinster in the semi-finals. Italy, poured into Pool A with the XV of France and the All Blacks, starts the 2023 World Cup on September 9 ahead of Namibia in Saint-Etienne.
