France forward Christopher Nkunku will miss the World Cup 2022 after suffering a knee injury during training.
The RB Leipzig forward limped off the training field following a wild tackle from Eduardo Camavinga.
The French Football Federation has confirmed that Nkunku will bow out of the showpiece event in Qatar, and his replacement will be announced in due course.
Nkunku made it to Didier Deschamps’ final squad following his quick rise to prominence at Leipzig over the last couple of seasons.
The 25-year-old is considered among the best forwards in Europe, having racked up 52 goals and 24 assists for Die Roten Bullen since the 2021/22 season.
Nkunku’s absence will be a big blow for the reigning world champions as he was in contention for a place in the starting eleven.
Les Bleus recently announced that Presnel Kimpembe has pulled out of the World Cup squad due to injury while calling up Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram to fill the final spot in the 26-man list.
Thuram has been in excellent form in Bundesliga this season, racking up ten goals and three assists – only two goals behind the league’s top scorer Nkunku.
The 25-year-old will join the world-class attack of Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud, Ousmane Dembele, Kingsley Coman and Antoine Griezmann.
As for Nkunku’s replacement, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani is reported to be Deschamps’ preferred option.
The 23-year-old burst onto the scene following his eye-catching spell at Nantes, which landed him a move to Frankfurt last summer.
Muani has been a revelation in the Bundesliga this term, racking up eight goals and eleven assists for the Eagles in all competitions.
He made his debut with France’s senior team during the Nations League games in September.
France will begin their title defence against Australia on November 23.
