Christopher Nkunku Out Of France World Cup Squad With Leg Injury.

 France have been dealt with a major injury blow ahead of their 2022 FIFA World Cup opener against Australia next Tuesday.

Christopher Nkunku, has been ruled out of the World Cup after picking a knee injury.

The striker twisted his leg awkwardly when challenging Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga for the ball during Tuesday's training session. 

The RB Leipzig forward immediately signalled he was in pain and limped off the training field to receive treatment.

After follow-up scans, France have since confirmed that the injury will prevent him from taking part in the tournament.

Nkunku is the latest on a list of high-profile absentees for defending champions France, which includes midfielders Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante and defender Prisnel Kimpembe.

Manchester United's defender Raphael Varane is also still recovering from an injury.

A statement from the French Football Federation reads in part: “Christopher Nkunku will not participate in the World Cup.

“The scans taken in the evening, unfortunately, revealed that it was a sprain.

“The whole group shares Christopher’s sadness and wishes him a speedy recovery.”

The 25-year-old is currently the Bundesliga's top scorer with 12 goals in 15 games for RB Leipzig.

The France squad are set to fly to Qatar on Wednesday and prepare to defend their title when they face Australia in their Group D opener. They would also face Denmark and Tunisia in same group afterwards.

According to RMC Sport, Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani has been called up to replace Nkunku, with the 23-year-old currently has the most assists in the Bundesliga (9) and she is set to join up with the squad on Thursday.

France initial 26-man squad released last week Wednesday, November 9:

Goal keepers: Lloris, Maignan, Areola, Mandanda.

Defenders: Pavard, Koundé, Varane, Kimpembe, Saliba, L.Hernandez, T.Hernandez, Konaté, Upamecano.

Midfielders: Rabiot, Tchouaméni, Y.Fofana, Guendouzi, Veretout, Camavinga.

 Attackers: Coman, Mbappé, Benzema, Giroud, Griezmann, O.Dembélé, Nkunku.