France will be without the services of star back-rower Anthony Jelonch after he sustained another long-term injury.
During the 2023 Six Nations, the flanker suffered an ACL injury to his left knee during the clash against Scotland, which threatened his chances of featuring at the Rugby World Cup.
However, recovered in time for the and was named in the squad, playing in four of ‘s five games.
Unfortunately for the 27-year-old, he has sustained another ACL injury that will sideline him for the upcoming championship.
The 29-Test cap flanker suffered the injury, this time to his right knee, during
in the Investec Champions Cup on Sunday.
France head coach Fabien Galthie has yet to name a replacement for Jelonch, with the Les Bleus squad gathering today (Monday) in Marcoussis.
His injury is another blow to Galthie’s squad, with fellow back-rower Dylan Cretin also sidelined with a serious injury to his knee – a cruciate ligament rupture.
Meanwhile, Thibaud Flament will miss the opening game against Ireland due to a foot injury and is expected to be fit for their second match against Scotland on February 10.
There are further concerns for uncapped lock Emmanuel Meafou and flanker Francois Cros, who were both seen limping at the end of the match against Bath.
However, reports suggest that the pair’s injuries will not rule them out of the championship. Galthie is also without the services of hooker Pierre Bourgarit.
Paul Boudehent and Sekou Macalou are likely to compete to fill Jelonch’s void in the matchday 23, with Cros, Charles Ollivon, and stand-in skipper Gregory Alldritt set to make up the starting loose trio.
There is also an opportunity for Toulon’s Esteban Abadie to make his Test debut for Les Bleus, while there is a possibility that Jelonch’s injury will result in a Test call-up for Yoann Tanga.
Tanga has been in fine form for La Rochelle in the back-row this season and interestingly started at inside centre for the French side in their Champions Cup victory over Sale Sharks.
