Quadriceps injury for Rafael Ratao (Toulouse)
His grimacing exit just before halftime on Sunday during Toulouse’s defeat at Clermont (0-2), after stopping dead without apparent contact, foreshadowed a muscle injury to the left thigh for Rafael Ratao. The exams taken on Monday by the Brazilian confirmed this impression. The 26-year-old striker suffers from a quadriceps injury. His absence is estimated at around four weeks.
“I hope it’s not too important because we need all the vital forces”, had wished his trainer Philippe Montanier, after the meeting, without knowing the diagnosis. The technician will have to do without his striker, used most often on one side, for at least the next three games against Reims, Lille and against Montpellier.
It’s up to Birmancevic to take advantage of it
It’s a blow for Téfécé, which remains on three defeats in the Championship. Already successful during the preparation then as a starter during the first six days and author of two goals since the start of the season, Ratao was among the men in form of his team. His absence could benefit the Serb Veljko Birmancevic, recruited at the very end of the transfer window and came into play in Auvergne in the second half, for his first appearance.