Stade Toulousain's injury crisis deepens

Stade Toulousain is dealing with a growing number of injuries and suspensions, which have made it difficult for the team to field a full squad. Despite winning their recent Champions Cup match against Exeter, the team had to play more than half the game at 14 against 15 due to injuries, and new injuries to players like Santiago Chocobares and Tommaso Menoncello have raised concerns.

Challenges ahead in the Top 14

The team's head coach, Ugo Mola, and his staff are preparing for a tough upcoming schedule, including a Top 14 match against Perpignan. While some players like Banos, Castro-Ferreira, and possibly Roumat might return, Rodrigue Neti is suspended after receiving a red card in the previous game. This means the team will have more than one full squad of absent players for the match.

National team call-ups complicate matters

The situation is expected to get even more complicated with the upcoming away game at Pau and the start of the Nations Championship. Several key players, including Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack, are likely to be called up to the French national team, with a limit of eight players per club. This will further strain the team's depth and rotation options.

Limited resources and rotation options

With a significant number of players absent, including Meafou, Willis, and Menoncello, the team will need to rely on its available resources. Players like Paul Graou might start in place of Dupont to give him a break, while Matthis Lebel and Teddy Thomas could be repositioned to fill the gaps caused by the injuries to Chocobares and Menoncello.

Testing young players and injured returnees

At the back, Remue is expected to continue his role after a strong performance against Exeter, with younger players likely to join the bench. Anthony Jelonch might return to the starting lineup in the front row after an extended absence, and a home Top 14 match could provide a chance to assess his fitness. Peato Mauvaka might also start at the back, with Thomas Lacombre as a substitute.