France have been dealt another personnel blow in the lead-up to their Six Nations campaign.
Virimi Vakatawa was included in the 37-strong France squad named on January 11 but there is now a doubt over his Six Nations participation.
France star Gregory Alldritt has explained the circumstances that saw him removed from the national squad earlier this week.
France's star back row Grégory Alldritt has withdrawn from their 37-man squad which is currently preparing for the first match of the 2021 Six Nations Tournament against Italy.
France have been fastest out of the blocks ahead of the 2021 Six Nations, naming a 37-strong squad that contains three newcomers.
Coming on top of their 24-8 home defeat in the opening round against Wasps, it means the Welsh region are unlikely to progress, while Bordeaux are now well-placed to advance.
Northampton director of rugby Chris Boyd refused to accept that his side were lacking in confidence after they fell to their 11th consecutive defeat with a 16-12 loss to Bordeaux-Begles.
Northampton have now lost 11 consecutive matches.