Four days into the rugby season, La Rochelle is already dealing with a significant number of injuries, with 20 players affected by physical issues or still recovering. The team is set to face Clermont at the Deflandre stadium, but they are expected to field a much thinner squad than usual. According to L’Équipe, this early season has seen more injuries than in previous years. Last season, 44 players from La Rochelle had suffered injuries at some point, with a peak of 19 unavailable players at the same time. While this year’s numbers haven’t reached that record, the current situation has reminded coach Marcel-Deflandre of past struggles. Despite the challenges, there are some positive signs ahead of the match. Jack Nowell, Théo McFarland, Davit Niniashvili, and Antoine Hastoy are all expected to start, while Paul Boudehent returns to the bench. However, several key players, including Will Skelton, Pierre Bourgarit, UJ Seuteni, Salmaan Moerat, and David Kriel, remain sidelined. Rugbyrama reported that ten players are still unable to play, and the team has lost two consecutive matches, against Racing 92 and Pau, adding pressure to the squad. The center position has become a focal point for La Rochelle’s strategy. Davit Niniashvili, wearing number 13, will face Alivereti Loaloa. This is a new development, as Niniashvili has previously played in the back row. His move to the center highlights the need for flexibility in the team’s backline, as several specialists are currently unavailable. While Niniashvili’s skills in support and attack can be an asset, the center position also demands strong defensive awareness, which could be a challenge against Loaloa. The issues facing La Rochelle extend beyond just this match. After four games, the team is in 11th place with only eight points, and their schedule is extremely tight. The ninth match against Bayonne is scheduled for November 7, the same day as the France-Fiji international match in Lyon. Additionally, the home game against Perpignan during the J10 match falls on the weekend of the Nations Championship finals in London. While the international team selections aren’t confirmed yet, the club may lose several players called up for their national teams. The situation is particularly concerning because La Rochelle’s squad includes many international players. Each injury becomes more significant as international windows approach. While ten players being absent at the start of October can be managed with gradual returns, combining this with national team call-ups could severely limit the team’s depth, especially in the front and center positions, which are already affected by injuries. Is this cause for concern? While La Rochelle has not yet reached the extreme situation experienced in the 2025-2026 season, several key players are expected to return for the match against Clermont. However, seeing 20 players affected by physical issues after only four matches leaves little room for error. At Deflandre, the immediate priority is to secure a win, and then hope that the number of injured players begins to decrease.