Defending champions Bordeaux Bègles have been dealt a major blow ahead of a decisive run in the Investec Champions Cup.
Captain and scrumhalf Maxime Lucu has been sidelined with a sprained right knee and faces between four and six weeks on the sidelines.
Bordeaux coach Yannick Bru confirmed that the France international will miss their crucial Pool 4 clashes at home to the Northampton Saints and away to the Bristol Bears – fixtures that could determine who finishes top of the group.
Bordeaux and Northampton sit joint top on 10 points, with Bristol close behind on nine.
ALSO: Bristol suffer ‘big loss’ ahead of Bulls battle
Lucu’s injury also casts doubt over his availability for the start of the Six Nations, with France opening their campaign against Ireland in Paris on 5 February.
For Bru, the setback compounds an already testing situation at scrumhalf. Young Valentin Hutteau is sidelined after knee surgery in December, while Martin Page-Relo has not featured since mid-December after a groin issue flared up.
CHAMPIONS CUP POOL 4: Bulls must go on charge
Lucu’s absence could have significant ripple effects across Pool 4, which remains finely balanced with two rounds remaining. While Bordeaux, Northampton and Bristol are out in front, the Vodacom Bulls and Scarlets languish on one point apiece, while Pau are yet to get off the mark.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
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