The Laval University Rouge et Or can count on the return of star receiver Kevin Mital on Sunday when the Concordia Stingers visit.
Mital injured his ankle in the 31-14 loss to the Université de Montréal Carabins on Sept. 17 and missed the last two games against Concordia and the McGill Redbirds last Saturday at Percival-Molson Stadium.
Mital started running again this week and was given the all-clear by the medical team. “On Monday I went for a little jog, on Tuesday I ran and on Wednesday I trained again with my teammates,” he said. It was a gradual return and there was progress throughout the week. »
Initially, Mital thought he would be sidelined for five weeks, but he managed to exceed all expectations. “The seasons are short and I wanted to stay ahead of the original schedule,” he said. During training I moved as before and was not restricted. It will be important that I have a good warm-up before the game so that my ankle stays warm. »
How was his return to training? “I wasn’t rusty,” he assured. It’s like riding a bike, you don’t get lost. The last few weeks have been long and flat. In 16 or 17 years of football, this is the first year I’ve missed games. My sanction for one game at the start of the season and the two games due to my injury. »
Mital wanted to play a match before the reunion with the Montreal Carabins on October 14th at CEPSUM. “That’s why I tried so hard,” he said. I wanted to play a game before Montreal to restore my harmony with Arnaud [Desjardins]. During my absence, the team had success on offense and showed that we have depth at receiver. The receivers came onto the field and took advantage of their chance. Isaac Gaillardetz did well. »
Mital assures that he won’t try to do too much. “We will do our little business as usual to achieve victory. I don’t feel any urgency, but I’ll try to put on a little show. »
If Mital is back, running back Kalenga Muganda is not ready to play his first game of the season. Central defender Étienne Amiot will also be missing.