France defender Lucas Hernandez will miss the rest of the World Cup after sustaining a knee injury in the defending champions’ opening victory over Australia, the team announced on Wednesday.
According to the French Football Federation, the Bayern Munich defender tore an anterior cruciate ligament in Tuesday’s 4-1 win over the Socceroos, adding to a growing injury list.
As his squad has been reduced to 24 players, coach Didier Deschamps must now juggle his options.
“Like all of the group, the players and the staff, I am extremely upset for Lucas. We are losing an important player. Lucas is a fighter and I have no doubt he’ll do everything possible to get back to full fitness.” Manager Didier Deschamps said.
France captain Hugo Lloris said speaking to the media after the match, “Honestly, it’s starting to become a big deal”.
“We sensed immediately it was serious, It’s the latest blow but we have to continue moving forward. It’s going to make us stronger” the Tottenham goalkeeper said.
