• News

France confirm star player World Cup injury blow

Didier Deschamps - France
Getty Images
Advertisement

The defending world champions have suffered a setback in their preparations for the upcoming tournament in Qatar.

France have ruled Christopher Nkunku out of the 2022 World Cup due to a knee injury.

The RB Leipzig attacker suffered the knee problem in Tuesday’s training session after challenging Eduardo Camavinga for a 50-50 ball. He had to be helped off the pitch.

The French Football Federation (FFF) later announced that Nkunku had sprained his left knee and, therefore, won’t travel to Qatar.

The FFF has sent the 25-year-old’s medical report to FIFA to get permission to select a replacement. This may lead to a call-up for either Moussa Diaby, Wissam Ben Yedder, Randal Kolo Muani, or Morgan Terrier.

France will begin their World Cup title defense on November 22 in a Group D opener against Australia. The team is expected to travel to Doha on Wednesday.

x