The Sharks were rocked last week by the revelation that their talismanic French forward is pondering a return to his homeland at the end of the season as a result of family problems.
A host of leading French clubs have now been put on alert over the potential availability of one of world rugby's most marketable names.
But whatever the eventual outcome of Chabal's long-term future, for now Sale director of rugby Saint-Andre insists the man known as Seabass will play a key role in the Edgeley Park outfit's quest for honours this season.
"Seabass is a competitor and with Sale this year he will want to perform well," Saint-Andre insisted. "I think his focus is with us. If he must move at the end of the season that is a different type of thing, it's more about his private life.
Dilemma
"But if he is to stay involved in the international game, he will need to play well for us and if we are not picking him, he will not be in contention for the French national team. I'm pretty sure he will be picked at lock for France's November internationals and he can also be in competiton for us at lock as well as at number eight.
"For sure he is one of the favourite sportsmen in France, so it's a huge story and I'm sure there will be a lot of interest."
Meanwhile, Chabal's club captain Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe says he understands the dilemma facing the 30-year-old as he agonises over whether to see out the two-year contract he signed last December or prematurely end his glorious four-year association with the Sharks for family reasons.
"He's a great player and he's very good for the team and he gives the side a lot," said Lobbe.
"But in life family comes first. And if Seabass is not happy I will take him to France right away."
Tweet
