Frederic Michalak is expected to be rested during France’s summer Tests against Romania and South Africa.
Head coach Bernard Laporte will announce his squad on June 1 and the Toulouse fly-half’s absence may provide an opportunity to find a reliable understudy ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Bourgoin’s Benjamin Boyet heads the list of contenders but a recent arm injury will prevent him from travelling with the rest of the team next month.
Saracens utility back Thomas Castaignede – recently recalled by Les Bleus – and Biarritz centre Damien Traille are expected to fill in despite their unfamiliarity with the number 10 jersey.
France will face Romania in Bucharest on June 17 and South Africa in Cape Town on June 24.
