Catalans Dragons to be without Matt Whitley for lengthy period

Catalans Dragons will be without key forward Matt Whitley for approximately two months after he suffered a knee injury in their defeat at Salford.

The England Knights international injured his left knee early in their 32-6 defeat at Salford on Sunday afternoon.

Scans have now confirmed that Whitley has a torn medial ligament. He will miss around two months of action.

There are only eight games of the regular season left, so he should be fit in time for the Super League play-offs, should the Dragons make them.

The injury to Matt Whitley comes as a blow to the Dragons, with him having started 17 games so far this season, scoring four tries.

Catalans Dragons sweating on Julian Bousquet’s injury

Steve McNamara’s side are also waiting to learn the extent of Julian Bousquet’s injury. He suffered a severe ligament injury to his right knee and will see a specialist on Tuesday.

France international prop Bousquet has had a torrid time with injuries in 2022. He’s been limited to just six appearances in all competitions this season.

Bousquet has made more than 200 appearances for the Dragons. He will be hoping his injury isn’t too serious with the World Cup on the horizon at the end of the year.

Ben Garcia return

McNamara made the decision to leave Ben Garcia out for Sunday’s trip to Salford. The France international almost lost an ear at Magic Weekend.

The Dragons skipper could return to the field for Saturday’s visit of Huddersfield in Perpignan.

McNamara’s men currently sit fourth in the Super League table, having won 12 from their first 19 games. They sit above fifth-placed Castleford by four points and are six points ahead of sixth-placed Hull.

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