After their shock defeat in Italy, France desperately need a win to keep their Six Nations hopes alive, but skipper Papé, who was forced off in the loss in Rome, will miss the clash at the Stade de France.

The second row, who took over the captaincy from Thierry Dusautoir, is suffering from a back problem and has been replaced in the squad by Jocelino Suta.

With Dusautoir fit again, he is one option to take over the captaincy, but Saint-André insists no decision has yet been taken.

He said: “I can announce that Pascal Papé will be absent against Wales. He is suffering from sciatica.”

Papé is not the only player Saint-André will be without against Rob Howley’s men, with Vincent Clerc also unavailable with a thigh problem.

The Toulouse winger, France’s second most prolific try-scorer of all time, was injured the week before the opening match of the tournament, and had initially hoped to return to face the Welsh.

But with the news that he will not be able to start running again until Wednesday, Saint-André explained that he would not be part of the squad.

He added: “He won’t be in contention because apparently he won’t start running again before Wednesday.”

Saint-André will announce his squad of 23 for the game in Paris on Monday evening where he will reveal if there will be any further changes after the 23-18 loss at the Stadio Olimpico.