France centre Wesley Fofana will miss his country’s World Cup opener against Italy on Saturday at Twickenham.
The Clermont Auvergne suffered a thigh injury during France’s warm-up match against Scotland.
His place in midfield goes to Racing 92 centre Alexandre Dumoulin who will partner regular Mathieu Bastareaud.
“We need players at 100 per cent and Wesley is not 100 per cent,” Saint-Andre told BT Sport.
“He is not out of the 23 on ability.
“I expect he will be 120 per cent on Wednesday.
“I need guys ready for the first game and he is not ready.
“We have 31 good players and I pick the guys who are 100 per cent.
“I need guys completely fit and ready mentally and physically.
“I don’t want to take any risks.”
Baring the absence of Fofana, head coach Phillipe Saint-Andre has been able to name a full-strength side.
Captain Thierry Dusautoir has recovered from a slight hand injury to lead the side, while lock Yoann Maestri has been passed fit to partner Pascal Pape in the second row.
Frederic Michalak will be taking on the kicking duties with regular place kicker Morgan Parra having missed out on the scrum-half spot, with Toulon No. 9 Sebastien Tillous-Borde the prefered choice.
Meanwhile, Italy will be without talismanic captain Sergio Parisse.
The back-rower injured his leg against Wales in Cardiff earlier this month and has been given more time to recover.
Samuela Vunise will move from openside flanker to No. 8 to replace Parisse while Leonardo Ghiraldine will take over captain duties.
And Italy coach Jaques Brunel told Sky Sports he has adequate cover for Italy’s star player.
“He was the strongest replacement and has played this role before. (Alessandro) Zanni has a bit, but not as much.” Brunel said.
“The main responsibility for the No 8 comes in the scrum and France’s scrum is one of the strongest around.
“We have to respond as a squad and the other players have to fulfil their roles, not just the experienced players, but everyone.
“Our half-backs are young and while they still have to develop, this is a chance to show their quality.”
Teams
France: Scott Spedding, Yoann Huget, Mathieu Bastareaud, Alexandre Dumoulin, Noa Nakaitaci, Frederic Michalak, Sebastien Tillous-Borde; Louis Picamoles, Damien Chouly, Thierry Dusautoir (captain), Yoann Maestri, Pascal Pape, Rabah Slimani, Guilhem Guirado, Eddy Ben Arous
Replacements: Benjamin Kayser, Vincent Debaty, Nicolas Mas, Bernard Le Roux, Alexandre Flanquart, Morgan Parra, Remi Tales, Gael Fickou
Italy: Luke McLean, Leonardo Sarto, Michele Campagnaro, Andrea Masi, Giovanbattista Venditti, Tommaso Allan, Edoardo Gori; Samuela Vunisa, Francesco Minto, Alessandro Zanni, Josh Furno, Quintin Geldenhays, Martin Castrogiovanni, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Matias Aguero
Replacements: Andrea Manici, Michele Rizzo, Lorenzo Cittadini, Valerio Bernabo, Simone Favaro, Guglielmo Palazzani, Carlo Canna, Enrico Bacchin
