Dupont back in France squad after cheekbone surgery

Antoine Dupont has returned to the France World Cup squad after the captain underwent surgery on a broken cheekbone.

The mercurial scrum-half has been cleared to resume physical activity, the federation said in a statement.

"Following the post-surgery medical check-up that took place yesterday, Antoine has been cleared to resume progressive physical activity," the statement read. "This activity will take place under the supervision of the French national team's medical staff."

Dupont underwent surgery last week and the French camp is hoping he will be able to play in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, likely against defending champions South Africa, although no decision has been made yet.

He will miss France's final Pool A game against Italy on Friday.

Dupont's injury, sustained in last week's record 96-0 win over Namibia, put another massive dent in French hopes of winning a first world title after the loss of flyhalf Romain Ntamack.

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