Rennes upbeat over Yoann Gourcuff fitness

The former France midfielder was a half-time substitute in last Friday night's 1-0 win over Angers, having previously played only 15 minutes of football in his return to his first club.

January's game against Lorient was Gourcuff's return from nine months out, when he came on in the 75th minute but suffered ankle and knee injuries in a late clash with team-mate Cheikh M'Bengue which sidelined him for a further month.

Courbis, though, is optimistic the 29-year-old is on the right track.

"The confirmation, and it is important, is that Yoann Gourcuff is doing better," he told the club's website.

"I think he will be able to play at least half of the game in Caen. After that, we will see if he can go to 60 or 70 minutes in Toulouse.

"Little by little, we are getting to where we want."