Louis Picamoles will play no part in the forthcoming block of European club rugby after suffering a back injury.
Picamoles has a herniated invertebral disk, more commonly known as a slipped disc and will be out of action for at least one month.
This is bad news for Montpellier as they battle to progress from Pool 2 of the European Challenge Cup.
He will miss Round 3 & 4 of the European Challenge Cup, the crucial double-header with Toulon.
Montpellier already trail Northampton Saints by six points, meaning dropping points in the matches with Toulon will see off any hopes of quarter-final qualification.
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