France suffer World Cup injury blow as Christopher Nkunku ruled out

Alex Young @alexwsyoung16 November 2022

France have been dealt yet another injury blow ahead of the World Cupas Christopher Nkunku has been ruled out through injury.

The RB Leipzig forward, who leads the Bundesliga scoring charts this season with 12 goals in 15 games, appeared to come off worse from a challenge with team-mate Eduardo Camavinga in training on Tuesday evening.

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani is reportedly set to replace Nkunku in the squad, which is due to fly out to Qatar on Wednesday.

It is the latest injury to hit the French selection pool, following midfielders Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante and defender Presnel Kimpembe.

Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema was unable to complete training with the squad as he continues to nurse an injury, lasting just 15 minutes into a light running exercise routine, but has allayed any fresh fitness fears.

He told La Chaine L'Equipe: "I am doing well. I have some little pains, but no tear or big injury.

"I could have played but not at 100%. It was not about taking or not taking a risk, just that I was not at 100%. I just had little pains. After, I worked well inside (the fitness centre). I ran, stretched, so all good."

France's first World Cup game is against Australia next Tuesday, November 22, 2022.

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