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– Lucas Hernandez’s World Cup campaign is over after the France defender ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during defending champions’ 4-1 win over Australia in Group D on Tuesday.
– The French federation (FFF) confirmed the news following medical tests in Qatar.
– Hernandez, who plays for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, limped off the pitch after staying on the grass for a couple of minutes holding his knee after being beaten to the ball by Mathew Leckie, who delivered the cross for Craig Goodwin’s opening goal for Australia.
Also Read: Defending champions France fight back to win over Australia
. @LucasHernandez has had to pull out of the World Cup after rupturing the ACL in his right knee.
The whole squad wishes him the best possible recovery. đ#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/N14Z3GiCEP
— French Team ââ (@FrenchTeam) November 23, 2022
– He was replaced by his brother Theo Hernandez.
– “He needs to do some tests but it seems pretty serious. That’s the big black spot tonight,” coach Didier Deschamps following the game.
« Comme l'ensemble du groupe, je suis extrĂȘmement peinĂ© pour Lucas. Nous perdons un Ă©lĂ©ment important. Lucas est un guerrier et je n'ai aucun doute sur le fait qu'il va tout mettre en Ćuvre pour revenir au premier plan » Didier Deschamps https://t.co/u8m7z0dcty
— Equipe de France ââ (@equipedefrance) November 23, 2022
– France had already seen several key players be ruled out of the World Cup ahead of the defense of the title they won in Russia four years ago.
– Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema is missing the tournament with a knee injury suffered in training on Saturday, following on from fellow striker Christopher Nkunku, defender Presnel Kimpembe.and long-term absentees Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante.
– France lead Group D with three points, two ahead of Tunisia and Denmark, who played out a goalless draw on Tuesday.
