France's three European Challenge Cup quarter-finalists will all go into this weekend's games without some of their top players after a bruising round of the French Championship.
Julien Puricelli, who was forced to leave the pitch earlier in Castres' defeat against Montpellier because of pain in his abductors is doubtful for this weekend's game against Newcastle.
Sébastien Tillous-Borde has picked up a knee injury, the severity of which will be assessed today. Brad flemming has a suspected fractured rib which could put him out of the quarter final clash.
Johan Wasserman will not be available for Montpellier this weekend in their game against Worcester.
Although the fears of a neck injury were unfounded, the player was knocked out and therefore unable to play for 2 weeks. Montpellier will be looking to the return to the side of Julien Tomas, Fulgence Ouedraogo and Sébastien Kuzbik.
And Brive willl face Sale Sharks without prop Pierre Capdevielle who is out for a month with a shoulder injury.
Ben Johnston (hamstring) and Alex Manta (knee) are also out for the Challenge Cup quarter final match. The centre Hufanga is a doubt with a shoulder injury.
