ESPN ScrumAurelien Rougerie will miss Clermont Auvergne's Top 14 play-off push and possibly the Rugby World Cup after suffering a serious ankle injury.
The 30-year-old three-quarter was forced from the field after half an hour of Clermont's 15-6 loss to Toulouse on Saturday, with confirmation following that he had suffered a broken left ankle and ligament damage.
Capped 63 times by France, he will undergo surgery next week, with initial reports suggesting a minimum of four months on the sidelines.
France coach Jo Maso confirmed that Rougerie would be considered for their Rugby World Cup squad should he recover in time, with the same courtesy extended to Thomas Domingo. The Clermont loose-head is currently sidelined with knee ligament damage.
France have been drawn in Pool A for the tournament in New Zealand, alongside the hosts, Tonga, Canada and Japan.
Would be a big loss, he is a quality outside back.