News from the injury room

Weeks go by, and Rennes’ infirmary continue to be filled with players, as the next international break is coming nearer,

Unavailable since his arrival at Stade Rennais, Onyekachi Apam seems closer and closer to a return. According to Le Télégramme, the Nigerian defender has taken part, this Friday morning, to a full training session with the professional squad. A session including an opposition with his team-mates with all the physical contact it involves. Apam, who has been following a very progressive schedule of rehabilitation, could therefore soon be looking at a return to competitive football, probably with the Reserve in CFA2 in the first place. Until then, all precautions will be taken to avoid a relapse.

Injured against Saint-Étienne, John Boye is nearing the end of the six weeks of absences initially diagnosed. Logically, the Ghanaian defender should be able to return after the international break, which will start in a bit more than a week. Boye should therefore be missing the next three games, in Toulouse (this Sunday), in Glasgow (Thursday) and against Valenciennes (the following Sunday) before possibly return to competitive football.

Injured in Auxerre, Jirès Kembo has also been allowed to return to competition by the medical staff. However, in order to avoid any risks of relapse, Frédéric Antonetti wish to preserve him until the international break, which would lead him to miss the next three games as well. “I prefer him to miss three gams now rather than six months as last season”, the Rennes manager indicated this Friday during the press conference, Le Mensuel de Rennes reports.

The case of Yacine Brahimi is surrounded with much more interrogations. The young attacking midfielder is once again suffering with his ankle, on the lower fibula, as he did at the beginning of the season. “It was well solidified, but he had misfortunes to receive more knocks at the very same place”, Antonetti regretted. At the moment, the duration of his absence is “undetermined”, since the coaching staff will wait for Brahimi to be completely rid of the pain before taking the risk to bring him back to the pitch. “A moment comes where we need to solve the problem”, the Rennes manager admitted. Even though it could mean being left without him for several weeks, once again.

Finally, injured to the knee during the first half against Le Mans, Romain Danzé is doubtful for this week-end’s trip to Toulouse. “I gave myself a knock all on my own by slipping, but it isn’t too bad”, explains the Breton who admits, however that “it hurts a bit”. Strapped, the right back had managed to finish the game on Wednesday, but his presence on Sunday his compromised.
«It would be great if he could play, Antonetti reckons. From what the doctor told me before training, it isn’t possible for Toulouse, it remains to be confirmed”. The Stade Rennes vice-captain was expected to undergo an MRI scan during the day, in order to know whether he will be able to play at the Stadium Municipal.