France suffer injury blows ahead of Italy clash

France have been dealt another blow ahead of their Six Nations clash against Italy, with fly-half Matthieu Jalibert ruled out due to illness.

The French Rugby Federation confirmed his withdrawal on Wednesday, with the Bordeaux-Bègles playmaker sent back to his club.

Jalibert, who started against England in the previous round, was already filling in for Romain Ntamack, who remains suspended after receiving a red card in France’s opening victory over Wales.

Jalibert’s performance at Twickenham was underwhelming, and he was substituted after 66 minutes, with Antoine Dupont stepping in at fly-half.

His absence was hinted at during training on Tuesday when full-back Thomas Ramos, who had previously covered for Ntamack in the November Tests, took charge at No.10, while Leo Barre slotted into the full-back position.

France’s backline will take another hit as Damian Penaud is also expected to miss Sunday’s match in Rome. The winger, who did not train among the probable starters, has struggled with fitness issues this season.

He missed the November Tests due to a lung virus and sat out the Wales game with a toe injury. Although he returned against England and scored a try—bringing him one short of Serge Blanco’s record of 38—his overall performance was below his usual standard in the 25-26 defeat.

Penaud’s likely replacement is Pau’s Theo Attissogbe, who covered the wing against Wales.

Meanwhile, in the forward pack, lock Mickael Guillard is expected to earn his first Six Nations start alongside Thibaud Flament, who has recovered from a muscle injury.