Shocking Footage of Christopher Nkunku Getting Injured in France Training, He'll Miss the World Cup
- 2 years ago
France forward Christopher Nkunku will miss the World Cup after picking up an injury in training.
The 25-year-old has had a fine campaign for RB Leipzig in Germany, scoring 12 goals in 15 Bundesliga appearances.
He made his France debut earlier this year, with manager Didier Deschamps giving him eight caps in total.
Nkunku was expected to be a starter in Les Bleus' opening Group D game against Australia on November 22.
It's been confirmed he will play no part in Qatar after what appears to have been a firm tackle from teammate Eduardo Camavinga.
Nkunku and Camavinga both went for the same ball at the Clairefontaine training complex.
Real Madrid starlet Camavinga appeared to win the ball but accidentally leave his boot planted on Nkunku's leg.
The 25-year-old went down in pain, holding his leg as his teammates surrounded him.
As Nkunku got to his feet, he received words of encouragement from Deschamps and Camavinga before hobbling off the pitch.
A statement from the French national team reads: "Injured in training, Christopher Nkunku must give up participating in the World Cup. The whole group shares Christopher's sadness and wishes him a speedy recovery."
Such a sad situation which was a complete accident. Nobody was to blame for it.
France are permitted to call up a replacement for Nkunku should they wish to do so. An official decision hasn't been made at the time of writing.
The holders are already missing a number of key players at the tournament through injury.
Midfield duo Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante, two vital parts of 2018's success, are long-term absentees.
Central defender Presnel Kimpembe was initially selected but had to pull out due to a hamstring issue.
Raphael Varane has been selected in the final 26-man squad but has not played since picking up an injury in Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Chelsea on October 21.
France are among the favorites to win the World Cup, which starts on November 20 when host nation Qatar take on Ecuador.
The 25-year-old has had a fine campaign for RB Leipzig in Germany, scoring 12 goals in 15 Bundesliga appearances.
He made his France debut earlier this year, with manager Didier Deschamps giving him eight caps in total.
Nkunku was expected to be a starter in Les Bleus' opening Group D game against Australia on November 22.
It's been confirmed he will play no part in Qatar after what appears to have been a firm tackle from teammate Eduardo Camavinga.
Nkunku and Camavinga both went for the same ball at the Clairefontaine training complex.
Real Madrid starlet Camavinga appeared to win the ball but accidentally leave his boot planted on Nkunku's leg.
The 25-year-old went down in pain, holding his leg as his teammates surrounded him.
As Nkunku got to his feet, he received words of encouragement from Deschamps and Camavinga before hobbling off the pitch.
A statement from the French national team reads: "Injured in training, Christopher Nkunku must give up participating in the World Cup. The whole group shares Christopher's sadness and wishes him a speedy recovery."
Such a sad situation which was a complete accident. Nobody was to blame for it.
France are permitted to call up a replacement for Nkunku should they wish to do so. An official decision hasn't been made at the time of writing.
The holders are already missing a number of key players at the tournament through injury.
Midfield duo Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante, two vital parts of 2018's success, are long-term absentees.
Central defender Presnel Kimpembe was initially selected but had to pull out due to a hamstring issue.
Raphael Varane has been selected in the final 26-man squad but has not played since picking up an injury in Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Chelsea on October 21.
France are among the favorites to win the World Cup, which starts on November 20 when host nation Qatar take on Ecuador.