Bastareaud gets 'upbeat' assessment
Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:56
France centre Mathieu Bastareaud looks set to be given the all clear to play in Sunday's Six Nations match against Italy at the Stade de France after a scan on a painful calf revealed nothing abnormal.
Bastareaud, who has featured in France's first three matches scoring a try in the opening victory over Scotland, injured himself in a gym session at the team's training centre.
The Stade Français star played in last Saturday's 0-29 loss at home to Toulouse.
France team doctor Jean-Philippe Hager revealed that nothing "abnormal had shown up" but the 21-year-old was permitted to sit out training on Monday and will undergo more treatment on Tuesday morning before resuming training in the afternoon.
Back row forward Imanol Harinordoquy - man of the match against Scotland - also didn't train because of the back injury that prevented him from playing for his club Biarritz in the Top 14 clash with Toulon on Saturday.
A decision will be taken on Tuesday over when he can return to the training ground.
The starting line-up will be announced on Wednesday.
France are the only team in the running for the Grand Slam and should they beat Italy will have to overcome England on March 20 at the Stade de France to claim their first Grand Slam since 2004.
AFP
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