After hurting his knee during the defending champions’ opening victory over Australia. France defender Lucas Hernandez will miss the remainder of the World Cup, the team announced on Wednesday.
The French Football Federation announced on Tuesday that the Bayern Munich defender had torn his anterior cruciate ligament during his team’s 4-1 victory over the Socceroos. He now joins a long list of injuries.
Karim Benzema, the Ballon d’Or winner, was forced to withdraw from the competition on Saturday due to a left thigh injury.
Three important members of the squad that won the World Cup in Russia in 2018. Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante, and Presnel Kimpembe—were ruled out due to injuries before the team traveled to Qatar.
With only 24 players left on his team, coach Didier Deschamps must now weigh his alternatives.
According to Deschamps’ statement:
“I am heartbroken for Lucas, just like the rest of the team, the players, and the staff. We are shedding a key member. Being a fighter, Lucas will do everything in his power to regain his previous level of fitness.
Hugo Lloris, captain of France, said:
“To be honest, it’s starting to matter a lot.
After the game, the Tottenham Hotspur goalie said, “We realized instantly it was dangerous.”
“It’s the most recent setback, but we must keep moving forward. It will make us more resilient.”
After Craig Goodwin gave the Socceroos the lead in the ninth minute. France, seeking to become the first team to successfully defend the title since Brazil in 1962, had to come from behind.