Esteban Lepaul injury and Équipe de France return, Digi Mart USA News: Lepaul’s absence has now lasted more than fifteen days and could cost him the next Équipe de France gathering. After missing the trip to Juventus and the Ligue 1 matches against Strasbourg and Nice, he will again miss Olympiacos in the Europa League on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.
Lepaul has not recovered from the left ankle sprain he suffered alone on October 18 on the pitch at Paris FC. On a long pass toward Tamari late in the match, his supporting leg gave way and his left ankle turned inward on the turf at the Stade Jean-Bouin.
Examinations reportedly showed no significant damage, but the striker is still recovering and continues to feel discomfort that keeps him off the pitch.
Franck Haise, who was not very talkative even when pressed on the subject, said quickly, “He is not training with me and I have not seen him touch the ball.” He added, “That is not a very good sign for today, but I am not always with him.” Lepaul continues his treatment.
A return during the international break seems unlikely, even for Sunday’s home match against Lille at the Roazhon Park at 3 p.m. Internally, the injury is described as a significant sprain that could require about three weeks for full recovery, which would push his return to the international break.
Zinédine Zidane is expected to announce his squad for the next Les Bleus gathering next Friday.
Lepaul was called up for the first time in September by the new France coach and started twice, both times against Belgium. Although he showed commitment, the Rennes forward lacked finishing success and did not score in the matches France played in the UEFA Nations League.
