France captain Thierry Dusautoir will miss the upcoming Six Nations with a arm injury.
The 2011 IRB Player of the Year suffered a torn bicep in Toulouse‘s win against Zebre in the Heineken Cup on Saturday.
Philippe Saint-Andre was hoping the injury looked worse than it was but scans revealed he will spend between three and four months on the sidelines.
This is a big blow for France‘s Six Nations hopes but, while Stade Francais lock Pascal Pape will captain the side, Saint-Andre is confident his side can deliver.
The uncapped Toulon flanker Virgile Bruni has been called up as a replacement.
“This is a big blow for us. Thierry was back at his best and he’s the leader of our group,” he said.
“But Pascal captained the side in 2012 and 2013 and I’m certain he’ll lead his troops well against England for the opening game.”
Meanwhile, Perpignan winger Sofiane Gitoune, who made his debut in November, has torn his Achilles tendon against Gloucester yesterday.
He is replaced in the squad by Clermont full-back Jean-Marcel Buttin.