France captain Antoine Dupont will meet a specialist about creating a custom-made face mask to allow him to return to the Rugby World Cup after fracturing his cheekbone

• France captain Antoine Dupont underwent surgery for a fractured jaw this week
• He sustained the injury in their 96-0 win over Namibia on Thursday
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France captain Antoine Dupont has an appointment with specialist about creating a face mask that may allow him to return for the World Cup quarter finals.

The superstar scrum-half fractured his cheekbone on Thursday night and underwent surgery on Friday after spending the night in hospital.

Writing in his Mail Sport column on Saturday, French coach Shaun Edwards revealed the No9 is targeting a comeback for the knockout stages of the competition.

According to MIDI Olympique, Dupont will meet a consultant this week about moulding a protective mask to protect the fractured area.

World Rugby guidelines state that players are not allowed to wear equipment more than 5mm thick to minimise the risk of injuring an opponent.

However, the French management are exploring the option of customising a thin and malleable mask that would fall within the guidelines.

Dupont will miss France’s next Pool A match against Italy but his side are already on track to win the group after their opening night victory over New Zealand.

 Antoine Dupont will meet with a specialist to help design a protective face mask following his fractured jaw injury during France’s 96-0 win over Namibia on Thursday

The 26-year-old was taken off in the 46th minute after Johan Deysel saw red for head-to-head contact with the France star

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