Toulouse right-back Rafik Messali has been ruled out for up to six weeks after sustaining an ankle injury during last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Lille, dealing the club another frustrating blow so early in the season.
The 22-year-old Algerian, who had only just returned from a lengthy absence, was introduced in the 55th minute of Sunday’s match but lasted just fifteen minutes before signalling that he could not continue.
He was seen leaving the pitch in visible discomfort, wearing an orthopedic boot that immediately raised concerns about the severity of the problem.
Medical tests carried out later in the week confirmed the defender had suffered a sprain to his right ankle. Although the injury will not require surgery, he has been advised to rest for between four and six weeks. It is the latest setback for Messali, whose pre-season preparations were already disrupted by a meniscus injury in July.
Head coach Carles Martinez Novell admitted the loss of the full-back was a significant setback but stressed the club’s focus remained on supporting the player through his recovery.
“It’s complicated — he will be out for at least a month,” the Spanish coach told reporters. “But the most important thing is that he recovers properly. He’s strong, he’s important for us, and I know he will come back with the right mindset.”
Messali’s career has already been punctuated by difficult periods on the sidelines. The young defender, once regarded as a rising star for both club and country, has suffered two cruciate ligament ruptures in the past.
Each time, he has managed to return stronger, a resilience that has earned him admiration among teammates and fans alike.
That determination was once again evident as the player addressed supporters on social media shortly after the diagnosis. “It’s another challenge,” he wrote. “But I promise I will come back stronger, as I always do.
Thank you for the support.” His message was met with an outpouring of encouragement from fans who have come to see him as a symbol of perseverance within the squad.
In Messali’s absence, Martinez Novell is expected to turn to summer signing Emerson to provide cover on the right flank. The Brazilian full-back, recruited during the transfer window, now has an opportunity to establish himself in the starting line-up.
Even so, the loss of Messali’s energy and defensive balance will be keenly felt. His overlapping runs and combative style had added intensity to Toulouse’s play, while his adaptability offered tactical flexibility to the back line. For a side still finding consistency, his absence could prove costly in the weeks ahead.
While the setback is significant, Toulouse will hope that this latest injury does not derail Messali’s development. Having already shown remarkable resilience in overcoming serious injuries earlier in his career, the Algerian defender faces yet another test of character. If his words are anything to go by, his determination to fight back remains undiminished.
🚨 RAFIK MESSALI FORFAIT PLUSIEURS SEMAINES ! 😬💜🤍
Le latéral droit sera absent au moins un mois.
(Conf. de presse) pic.twitter.com/AaJLmuJ09Z
— Actu Ligue 1 (@ActuL1_) September 19, 2025
