Marsh sidelined for double-header

France have been hit by a further injury blow in the run-up to this autumn’s World Cup after centre Tony Marsh was forced to pull out of their upcoming August friendlies against Romania and England with a calf injury.

New Zealand-born Marsh, who played a major role in France’s 2002 Grand Slam victory, had only recently returned to training with Bernard Laporte’s side after undergoing chemotherapy to remove a tumour.

The news comes two days after prop Pieter de Villiers was ruled out of the trip to Australia after suffering a dislocated shoulder when he fell from a mountain bike in Val d’Isere.

Marsh will be sidelined for another two weeks after his latest setback and misses Friday’s match against Romania and the clash with England in Marseille on August 30.

France team doctor Thierry Hermerel said: “This little tear on his calf is persistent and Tony will pursue his treatment programme.

“I hope that he will be able to run again and resume the squad training at the start of next week, but whatever happens, he will not be able to play against England in Marseille.”

Marsh has admitted his frustration following the injury. The 30-year-old has not donned the blue shirt for 14 months.

The player underwent a groin operation in November 2002 and was then diagnosed with testicular cancer at the start of 2003. He underwent a six-week chemotherapy treatment before resuming training in June.

“There were these two weeks’ rest in Val d’Isere and now I have to wait again. I am really fed up,” Marsh told L’Equipe.

“Frankly, this is really annoying me now, but what can I do? I have to wait.”

Hermerel admits Marsh’s chemotherapy treatment might have weakened him slightly but is adamant Marsh can be back on track for the World Cup.

“We can think that the heavy treatment he experienced could have had some weakening effect,” he said.

“But we are going to try to bring him back on a pitch as fast as possible.

“This is a huge challenge, but it could be possible for September 6 and France’s clash with England at Twickenham.

“Tony has seen all his returns to the team postponed recently and it is hard for him, but I spend a lot of time with him and we are all standing by him.”