Juan Martin Hernandez has been ruled out of Stade Francais' Heineken Cup clash against Bristol on Friday with knee trouble.

The fly-half returned from his native Argentina on Monday with the injury, which deprives Stade of their star player for what is their defining match in their European campaign this season.

The Paris club must win Friday's Pool 3 tie at the Stade Jean Bouin to keep alive their faint hopes of qualifying for the tournament's quarter-finals.

They have won two and lost two of their opening four games in the group and are currently third, three points behind joint leaders Cardiff Blues and Bristol.

France international David Skrela should remain at number 10 in Hernandez's continued absence.

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