Catalans Dragons dealt huge long-term injury blow to Fouad Yaha
Catalans Dragons winger Fouad Yaha is expected to miss a large part of the 2023 Super League campaign following successful surgery.
The club’s all-time leading try-scorer underwent surgery following his dislocated right shoulder sustained in pre-season training.
Yaha, 26, is expected to be unavailable for around five months, with the Super League season just weeks away.
The France international winger has scored 100 tries in 149 games for the Perpignan-based side.
Catalans shared on social media: “Fouad Yaha underwent successful surgery following his dislocated shoulder. His unavailability is estimated at five months.”
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
Catalans Dragons 2023 squad
Yaha has once again received shirt number five for the upcoming Super League campaign, with new signing Tom Johnstone set to wear 24 for his debut year in France.
Johnstone, 27, made the switch from Wakefield during the off-season. He could now be expected to start alongside Tom Davies on the wings.
England internationals Sam Tomkins and Mike McMeeken have both underwent minor operations following their World Cup commitments. They will wear shirt numbers 29 and eight respectively in 2023.
The Dragons previously said the duo are both “recovering well” and that their recovery will determine their availability.
Elsewhere in the squad, new recruit and Tonga co-captain Siosiua Taukeiaho has received shirt number 22 for his debut year. The 31-year-old makes the switch from the NRL, where he made 168 appearances.
Also making the move from the Sydney Roosters, Adam Keighran will wear shirt number three for his first year in Super League. The utility player joins on a one-year deal.
Catalans take to the field for the first time in 2023 this weekend when they host a French Elite select side at Stade Gilbert Brutus.
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