Catalans Dragons star ruled out for five months

Catalans Dragons have had a very difficult off-season with much of their squad absent for long periods on account of the World Cup, an inability to arrange friendlies and also an injury crisis which has now worsened.

The injury issues got to the point where the French side called up five of their reserve team to train with the Super League squad and news today has confirmed that could be the case for a while longer.

Fouad Yaha was one of the three huge injury problems and he has since undergone surgery following an MRI scan to deal with his injured shoulder.

He follows England stars Mike McMeeken and Sam Tomkins as another Dragons’ star to undergo off-season surgery.

Tomkins had suffered a knee injury whilst McMeeken an arm injury but neither will miss as long as Yaha who is set to be out for approximately five months, over half of the season.

Catalans tweeted the news wishing Yaha a strong recovery.

“Fouad Yaha underwent successful surgery following his dislocated shoulder. His unavailability is estimated at 5 months.”

This will be a huge blow for the French side who will be incredibly thankful they were able to acquire Wakefield’s Tom Johnstone for this upcoming season, but Yaha will leave a 20-try void on their flank.

It’s left the Dragons flustering to try and get more help and depth in the backs with recent reports suggesting they’ll move for an Australian centre.

The Dragons will play their sole pre-season friendly this weekend as they face a selected 13 from the French Elite One division, with six players from Catalans’ feeder team, St Esteve, set to feature including two that Steve McNamara has even given a shirt number to.

𝐁𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞́𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 @fouadyaha 👊
Fouad Yaha a été opéré avec succès suite à sa luxation de l’épaule. Son indisponibilité est estimée à 5 mois. pic.twitter.com/xeOguDjkq8

— Dragons Catalans (@DragonsOfficiel) January 31, 2023