France fly-half Matthieu Jalibert has been ruled out of this weekend's Six Nations match against England after suffering an ankle injury in training on Wednesday.

Jalibert, 24, was hurt in a tackle during the session and was helped off the field by coaching staff before Saturday's game at Twickenham.

The Bordeaux-Begles playmaker, who has been sent back by head coach Fabien Galthie to his club to recover, was a used substitute during the holders' opening three games of the Championship.

This year's Rugby World Cup hosts have claimed victories over Italy and Scotland either side of a defeat by world number one side Ireland.

With Galthie also releasing stand-offs Antoine Hastoy and Leo Berdeu back to their clubs, it appears likely he will use starting full-back Thomas Ramos as cover for first-choice fly-half Romain Ntamack.

The other selection issues facing Galthie include replacing banned tight-head prop Mohamed Haouas and injured flanker Anthony Jelonch.

Jalibert's club team-mate Sipili Falatea is an option in the front row and Francois Cros is set to take Jelonch's spot.

Centre Jonathan Danty, who has missed all three matches thus far because of a knee injury, has been retained and is in line to make the matchday 23.

Galthie will name his side to face England on Thursday with France's hopes of defending their Six Nations title out of their hands with unbeaten Ireland heading to Scotland on Sunday.

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