France are facing a backs crisis ahead of their Six Nations match against Italy in Rome on Saturday after four players suffered injuries in club matches at the weekend.
The loss of fullback Xavier Garbajosa was followed by injuries to veteran utility back Emile Ntamack as well as Pepito Elhorga and Yannick Jauzion, all of whom are set to miss the match.
Elhorga and Jauzion were called up for the first time by French coach Bernard Laporte last week after a dismal backline performance in a 22-15 loss to Ireland in Dublin.
The return of veteran Ntamack was seen as crucial in adding flair to the French attack. But the player suffered a thigh injury playing for Toulouse in a 19-18 loss to La Rochelle at the weekend and is set to be replaced in the French squad by David Bory, who was axed after the loss to Ireland.
Jauzion (thigh) and Elhorga (calf) are likely to be replaced in the squad, due to gather on Monday, by Thomas Lombard and Jean-Luc Sadourny. Reuters