Stade Lavallois have been dealt a significant setback after defender Joseph Layousse Samb was ruled out for several weeks with a fracture to his right foot.
The Senegalese international was forced off early during Saturday’s 1–1 draw against Le Mans FC in the Maine derby on 7 February, leaving Laval short-handed in a match that already carried high intensity and local significance.
Samb, who had been deployed on the left side of defence, suffered the injury in the 21st minute after an awkward misstep.
He immediately signalled discomfort and was unable to continue, prompting concern among teammates and staff. Images later showed the defender leaving the Marie-Marvingt stadium on crutches, underlining the seriousness of the incident.
Medical tests carried out shortly after the match confirmed a “fracture of the fourth metatarsal” in his right foot, without displacement, according to reports from Ouest France.
While surgery is not required, the injury is expected to sideline Samb for several weeks, dealing a blow to Laval’s defensive options.
Head coach Olivier Frapolli acknowledged the impact of the setback while addressing the situation after the match. “These things happen during a season.
But obviously, it doesn’t help us. We already have several players in the infirmary and we’re still waiting for a new signing to be registered,” he explained, referencing the unresolved administrative situation surrounding Sidi Bane.
Samb’s absence is particularly unwelcome given his growing importance to the team. Since joining the club last summer, the former Teungueth FC player has steadily established himself as a regular starter, earning trust through consistent performances and reliability on the left flank of the defence.
His physical presence and tactical discipline have been key features of Laval’s back line, making his injury a notable disruption at a time when the squad is already stretched.
With several players unavailable, Frapolli will now be required to reshuffle his defensive setup as the club navigates the coming fixtures.
For Samb, the injury represents an unfortunate interruption to a season in which he had firmly cemented his place in the starting XI.
The focus will now shift to his recovery, with hopes that he can return in time to play a meaningful role later in the campaign.
