Season over for Facundo Isa?

Is the season over for Facundo Isa? Publications from France indicate that the Argentine back-rower will not play again this season. Var Matin reported that Isa had ruptured a cruciate ligament of his knee and would not play again until the 2018-2019 season.

The injury occurred on Saturday with Isa putting in an amazing performance against Castres. He was a try scorer in Toulon’s 59-13 victory.

The exact diagnosis is yet to be revealed by Toulon. The club has, however, given a more optimistic appraisal of Isa’s injury. The official RC Toulon website noted that:

“Facundo has suffered from a sprain, he has passed exams and now has to consult with specialists to find out more about the seriousness of his injury and the length of his unavailability”.

Depending on the severity of the injury, Isa may be out of rugby for between 2 and 6 weeks. This places his involvement in the Top 14 play-off’s in doubt. It also means the possibility of Isa returning to Los Pumas this June are now unlikely.

Argentina is to again allow for players based in Europe to be considered for Los Pumas. Facundo Isa is a leading contender to be included. His injury could not come at a worse time as not only will be be eligible again but Jaguares captain Pablo Matera has been ruled out of facing Wales and Scotland in June.

Matera and Isa are among Argentina’s best back-rowers. Without either player available Daniel Hourcade will be likely to utilize Marcos Kremer, Tomás Lezana, and Javier Ortega Desio as his starting trio.