Gael Clichy is the latest player to be ruled for France for this month’s World Cup play-off with the Republic of Ireland.
Clichy has a suspected stress fracture in his back and could be out for up to a month.
The Arsenal defender only has three caps for his country and it is a position that the former European and World champions are well covered for, with Eric Abidal or Manchester United star Patrice Evra likely to fill the role.
Clichy started France’s previous match, a 3-1 friendly win over Austria, but he was unlikely to start the first leg of the play-off tie with Ireland on Saturday week.
Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery will miss the matches as Raymond Domenech prepares to name his squad shortly.
