Carter to miss Ospreys date

All Black fly-half laid low by Achilles injury

Last updated: 12th January 2009

Carter to miss Ospreys date

Carter: Achilles injury

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Dan Carter has been ruled out of Perpignan's Heineken Cup clash against Ospreys on Saturday because of an Achilles injury.

The New Zealand fly-half was forced off at half-time of the French side's 40-14 victory over Bourgoin over the weekend after suffering considerable discomfort.

Subsequent scans have shown a recurrence of an Achilles tendon injury, although the good news for Carter is that the problem should be cured by a week of rest.

"(The MRI scan) showed no tear of the tendon but a slight inflammation localised in the high to middle part of the tendon which necessitates above all rest and adapted treatment," stated Perpignan doctor Carlos Vela.

"There is nothing serious."

Frustrated

Carter himself was left frustrated by the injury but is hopeful it will not prove a long-term issue.

"The pain was getting worse after about half an hour of the match and as a precaution I came off at half-time," he said.

"It was frustrating because I really wanted to play and the team had a really good match."

While accepting the news was a blow, Perpignan coach Jacques Brunel insisted his team were well capable of prospering in Carter's absence.

"We'll leave Dan to rest up against the Ospreys so that his injury steadies down and we are calm for the follow-up," he added.

"Of course Carter is important but any player can be injured. The quality of our team must not depend on one player."