France flanker Francois Cros sidelined with groin injury

France have been dealt a blow ahead of their Rugby World Cup campaign as flanker Francois Cros has been sidelined by a groin injury.

The 29-year-old sustained the injury during the training session and now will miss the upcoming World Cup warm-up game against Scotland at Murrayfield on 5th August.

France’s head of performance Thibault Giroud confirmed the news on Cros.

“It’s a little strain in the groin,” Giroud told reporters.

“He’ll be out for a few weeks, it’s not something long-term but we have to treat it.”

Meanwhile, lock Paul Willemse also missed the training session on Thursday as a precautionary measure due to a hamstring problem.

France are grouped in Pool A along with New Zealand, Italy, Uruguay and Namibia. They will kick-start their campaign with a clash against the All Blacks on 8th September at Stade de France.