Scotland's plans for the RBS Six Nations Championship went from bad to worse today with the news Allan Jacobsen and Ross Beattie have been ruled out of the France opener.
Coach Matt Williams was already reeling from British Lion Simon Taylor's failure to win his fitness race and concerns over scrum-half Graeme Beveridge and stand-off Gordon Ross.
But just days before Saturday's daunting clash in Paris, Edinburgh prop Jacobsen has withdrawn from the squad with a shoulder injury sustained in Friday's match against Cardiff.
Jacobsen has damaged the joint in his right shoulder and is now expected to be out of action for at least six weeks.
Number eight Ross Beattie has also left the squad to return to the care of the Northampton Saints medics after failing to recover from head and neck injuries sustained against Sale.
Scotland team doctor James Robson said: "Ross was slow to recover from the weekend so it was felt that he shouldn't be considered for selection for the France game on Saturday."
Beveridge remains a member of the squad but the Glasgow man is still suffering from a cold so has returned home to prevent infection to any other members of the squad.
His progress will be monitored by medics but his illness is causing Williams great concern with France looming.
Ross sat out of training today to rest a twisted knee sustained yesterday but the Leeds Tykes player will undergo physiotherapy with a view to returning to full training tomorrow.
Edinburgh's Allister Hogg continues to train fully with the squad and medics are pleased with his progress.
Fellow Edinburgh back-row forward Taylor, although not an official squad member, continues to train alongside the squad and is now fully recovered from last week's rolled ankle and continues with rehabilitation on his knee injury.
