The second row forward will undergo surgery next week on a torn lateral ligament in his right knee, according to the Top 14 leaders after limping off during last weekend’s defeat by Lyon.
“His unavailability should be for a period of four months following the surgery which is scheduled for the start of next week,” said Montpellier in a press release.
France will play two Tests against Japan
The 29-year-old was already expected to be out for two months and thus miss the end of the domestic season which sees Montpellier battling for the Top 14 and the European Champions Cup – they face fellow French side La Rochelle in the quarter-finals of the latter on Saturday.
A constant in the side that won the Grand Slam in the 2022 Six Nations, Paul Willemse will now miss France’s tour to Japan during which they will play two Tests on on July 2 and 9.
Montpellier also without Cobus Reinach
Montpellier are already without South Africa’s 2019 Rugby World Cup winner Cobus Reinach after the scrumhalf underwent shoulder surgery last week.
The French Rugby Federation have yet to announce if those involved in the Top 14 final will also to head to Japan.
Last season, players from the league’s semi-finalists were unable to participate in Les Bleus’ three Tests in Australia due to Covid-19 quarantine rules.