France defender Lucas Hernandez has been ruled out of the World Cup after sustaining an injury in their opening game of the 2022 World Cup against Australia.
The Bayern Munich defender pulled up in the build-up to Australia’s opening goal and clutched his knee as he lay on the floor. He was then replaced by his younger brother Theo Hernandez.
Following scans on the injury, France have confirmed that he ruptured his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), meaning that he will no longer participate in the event in Qatar.
France coach Didier Deschamps released a statement following the diagnosis: “Like the whole group, I am extremely sorry for Lucas. We are losing an important element. Lucas is a warrior, and I have no doubt that he will do everything to get back to the fore.”
The injury to Hernandez is another blow to the French side, who have already lost Karim Benzema and Christopher Nkunku to serious injuries just days before the World Cup. Deschamps is also without N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, two pivotal players when France won the World Cup last time.