The French Chanticleers will be without experienced forward Jamal Fakir for Saturday’s Autumn International Series clash against England at Craven Park in Hull.
Fakir, who missed the opening Autumn International game against Wales through suspension, travelled to Hull with the squad, but a reoccurring hamstring injury saw him pull out, with French coach Aurelien Cologni electing to save the experienced forward for the final.
"Jamal will have a test tomorrow but I don't think he will be ready for the weekend and we won't take a risk with him," coach Aurelien Cologni told Sportinglife.com.
Fakir’s Catalans team-mate and fellow prop, Mickael Simon has recovered from the illness that forced him to sit out the Wales clash and he will help strengthen the Chanticleers forwards against the stronger opposition.
Cologni also hasfour other players on standby in France in the shape of Julian Bousquet, Teddy Sadaoui, Sebastien Planas and Antoni Maria for the Hull match.
The Chanticleers travelled to Hull on Thursday night, and will migrate to Manchester on Sunday to prepare for the Final.
Cologni said: "We want to have the best preparation for these two games.
"We know they will be very tough we so need to be in the best condition and have the best recovery, so that's why we are staying for 10 days."
France will be chasing their first victory over an English team since 1990, where they defeated the Great Britain national team 25 – 18 at Leeds in the next two games as they prepare for next year’s Rugby League World Cup.
France Chanticleers:
Cyril Stacul (Catalan), Mathias Pala (Catalan), Vince Duport (Catalan), Kevin Larroyer (Catalan), Clement Soubeyras (Pia); Thomas Bosc (Catalan), William Barthau (Catalan), Oliva Elima (Bradford), Tony Gigot (Avignon), Remi Casty (Catalan), Sebastien Raguin (Catalan), Gregory Mounis (Catalan), Romaric Bemba (Carcassonne), Jason Baitieri (Catalan), Eloi Pelissier (Catalan), Mathieu Griffi (Lezignan), Michael Simon, Kane Bentley (Pia), Damien Cardace (Catalan).
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