All Blacks outside-half Dan Carter has been ruled out of Perpignan's European Cup clash against Ospreys on Saturday because of an inflamed Achilles tendon that requires a week of rest, the French club said.

An MRI scan on Monday "showed no tear of the tendon but a slight inflammation localised in the high to middle part of the tendon which necessitates above all rest and adapted treatment. There is nothing serious," said Perpignan doctor Carlos Vela.

Carter, arguably the world's best player, limped off with a recurrence of an Achilles tendon injury during Perpignan's 40-14 victory over Bourgoin in the French Top 14 championship on the weekend.

He said after the game: "The pain was getting worse after about half an hour of the match and as a precaution I came off at half-time. It was frustrating because I really wanted to play and the team had a really good match."

Perpignan coach Jacques Brunel tried to give the news a positive spin.

"We'll leave Dan to rest up against the Ospreys so that his injury steadies down and we are calm for the follow-up," he said.

"Of course Carter is important but any player can be injured," Brunel added. "The quality of our team must not depend on one player."

AFP

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