Clermont coach Vern Cotter has revealed that injured France fly-half David Skrela will miss's Heineken Cup Semi-final against Irish province Leinster

It means Australian Brock James will come in for what will be Clermont's first-ever semi-final appearance in the competition, this Sunday in Bordeaux.

Skrela, 33, suffered a thigh injury during the 22-3 quarter-final win over Saracens on April 8 and now requires surgery.

The Frenchman, who has already won the top honour in the European game with Toulouse in 2010, is likely to be sidelined for several weeks meaning he would be unable to play, Cotter added, if Clermont make the May 19 final at Twickenham.

As Cotter's preferred player in the role, Skrela is expected to be fit for the final phase of the Top 14 championship.

"I expect him to return in time for the final phase of the Top 14," said Cotter.

Clermont are already through to the Top 14 semi-finals, where they will face Toulouse on the weekend of June 2-3.