Clermont Auvergne will face their inaugural European Cup match with a notable injury list, sidelining key players including Barnabé Massa, Kylan Hamdaoui, and Pita-Gus Sowakula. The absences pose a challenge for the team as they begin their European campaign, impacting squad depth and perhaps altering tactical approaches.
Ahead of the match, ASM Rugby confirmed Massa will be out for several weeks due to an ankle injury sustained during the game against Stade Français. Hamdaoui and Akhaladze are currently following concussion protocols, while Sowakula is also recovering from an ankle issue. Additionally, Léon Darricarrère (shoulder) and Killian Tixeront (low back pain) will be rested this week, and Régis Montagne and Marcos Kremer are unavailable following international duty. A bolstered roster is anticipated for the second day of the European Cup as several players return.
Currently listed on the injury report are Pierre Fouyssac (achilles tendinitis), Etienne Falgoux (ankle), Tom Raffy (knee), Barnabas Mass (ankle), Pita-Gus Sowakula (ankle), Aliveret Lock (thigh muscle injury), Alivered Always (ankle), Yérim Fall (foot injury), Leon Darricarrere (adductors), pio Muarua (concussion), Giorgi Akhaladze (concussion), Kylan Hamdaoui (concussion), Killian Tixeront (low back pain), and Joris Jurand (foot). Players currently in recovery are expected to rejoin the Auvergne squad next week.
