Christopher Nkunku is out of the World Cup after suffering an injury in training - just seven days before France's first opening game.
Nkunku, 25, was expected to play a big role in France's World Cup defence after scoring 42 goals for German giants RB Leipzig since the start of the 2021/22 campaign. Yet a heavy challenge by Eduardo Camavinga is believed to have ended the striker's hopes.
Nkunku was filmed limping out of training after Camavinga clattered into his international team-mate. Video footage of the Real Madrid midfielder's challenge on Nkunku was shared on social media, leaving many France fans worried about the injured star.
France have now confirmed Nkunku will not be part of their squad for the tournament in Qatar. It remains unclear whether the player's injury is a direct consequence of Camavinga's tackle and how long the Leipzig striker is expected to be out for.
France have also not revealed who Nkunku's replacement will be. "Injured in training, Christopher Nkunku drops out of the World Cup," read France's brief statement. "The whole group shares Christopher's sadness and wishes him a speedy recovery."
According to L'Equipe, Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani is likely to replace Nkunku in France's squad. The two-cap international, 23, has scored eight goals for Frankfurt this season and helped ex-club Nantes win the Coupe de France in May.
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Nkunku will be devastated by the news after sharing his excitement at making France's 26-player squad just five days ago. "A dream come true," he wrote on Instagram. "Looking forward to representing my country in the most beautiful competition."
France manager Didier Deschamps is experiencing a minor injury crisis, as several of his regulars will miss the tournament. Key midfielders Paul Pogba (knee and thigh) and N'Golo Kante (hamstring) are absent - and so is defender Presnel Kimpembe (hamstring).
France are among the favourites to win the World Cup after beating Croatia in the last final in Russia four years ago. They are two-time champions and also lifted the Nations League in 2021, although they were knocked out of Euro 2020 at the last 16 stage.
Despite being tipped to retain their crown, France are struggling for form. Deschamps' side won just one of their six Nations League fixtures to narrowly avoid relegation to the second tier of the competition - losing to Denmark twice.
France don't have the toughest of World Cup groups on paper. Their tournament starts against Australia in Al Wakrah on Tuesday, November 22 before taking on Denmark in Doha four days later. Their final group game is against Tunisia in Al-Rayyan on November 30.
Perhaps Deschamps' biggest worry will be failing to beat Australia in their first game, as they would head into the Denmark fixture needing to beat a team that's achieved back-to-back victories against them inside the last five months.
