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<\/p>\nThe French Rugby Federation have issued a fitness update ahead of the clash in Cardiff<\/p>\n
Matthieu Jalibert, Nicolas Depoortere of France(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
France have been hit by a major injury setback ahead of Sunday\u2019s Six Nations<\/a> clash with Wales after centre Nicolas Depoortere was ruled out of the trip to Cardiff<\/a>, with another French midfielder also facing a race to be fit.<\/p>\n The 23-year-old was one of the standout performers in Les Bleus\u2019 emphatic 36-14 victory over Ireland in their championship opener, producing a dazzling attacking display in Paris. Such was his impact, he beat more defenders than any other player on the pitch.<\/p>\n However, the French Rugby Federation confirmed on Wednesday that Depoortere will miss the encounter at the Principality Stadium through injury.<\/p>\n Depoortere sat out training earlier this week after experiencing muscle soreness during a weights session.<\/p>\n Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate<\/a> or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings<\/p>\n France attack coach Patrick Arlettaz initially played down concerns, saying \u201cfor the moment, there is nothing to worry about\u201d, but the Bordeaux-Begles centre has now been withdrawn from the squad. The FFR did not specify the precise nature of the problem.<\/p>\n There is also a fitness concern over his midfield partner Yoram Moefana, who missed Tuesday\u2019s session after picking up a knock to the knee against Ireland.<\/p>\n Moefana was replaced after 50 minutes in Paris, with Arlettaz confirming the injury was the reason for his withdrawal.<\/p>\n With Depoortere sidelined, France may turn to one of two younger options who trained in the centres this week. Pau\u2019s uncapped 20-year-old Fabien Brau-Boirie lined up alongside 22-year-old Emilien Gailleton, who has 11 caps.<\/p>\n Arlettaz has spoken glowingly about Brau-Boirie, comparing him to former France great Yannick Jauzion.<\/p>\n \u201cHe has that kind of talent, a bit like Jauzion, to be understated and very effective, to make others around him play well and always run very clean lines,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Despite the injury blow, France travel to Cardiff full of confidence after brushing aside Ireland in their opening fixture.<\/p>\n Get the latest Wales Rugby merch at Fanatics<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> Various Price<\/p>\n Fanatics<\/p>\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0_Untitled-11jpeg.jpg\"\/)
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