Inspirational Dupont has surgery, will return 'in a few days' as France holds its breath

France captain Antoine Dupont has undergone surgery on a fractured cheekbone and will return to the squad "in a few days", the French Rugby Federation (FFR) said on Saturday.

It is not clear, however, when he will be able to return to the pitch in the World Cup.

Dupont suffered the injury in a clash of heads with Namibia captain Johan Deysel in France's 96-0 pool victory on Thursday.

The 26-year-old scrum-half, who was world player of the year in 2021, had surgery in Toulouse on Friday.

"Following his injury sustained during the France v Namibia match, Antoine Dupont underwent surgery at the Purpan University in Toulouse on September 22," the FFR said.

"He will be able to return to the French team in a few days as part of a gradual sporting recovery under medical supervision," the FFR added.

"Hit but not sunk. Show must go on.