Another Huge Blow for France As Influential Defender Ruled Out of World Cup

• It has been confirmed Lucas Hernandez will no longer play a part of France’s 2022 World Cup participation in Qatar
• The Bayern Munich defender will miss the World Cup after picking up a knee injury against Australia
• The two-time world champions defeated the Socceroo's 4-1 in their opening World Cup game

France have been dealt a crushing blow with Bayern Munich defender Lucas Hernandez set to miss the 2022 World Cup due to an injury.

The 32-year-old ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during Les Bleus' 4-1 win over Australia in Group D on Tuesday.

Hernandez, who was named in the starting XI against Australia, pulled up in the build-up to the Socceroos' opening goal as he lay on the pitch in pain.

Didier Deschamps was forced to substitute the versatile defender for his brother Theo Hernandez, with the France Football Federation confirming his World Cup is now over.

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“Like the whole group, I am extremely sorry for Lucas," the France coach said in a statement, via Goal.

"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."

France injury woes

The reigning World Champions were billed to parade one of the finest squads at the Mundial, but injuries had already seen several key players ruled out of the tournament they won in Russia four years ago.

Despite having capable replacements for the absentees, France will feel the pinch of the high-profile injured stars.

Henandez has joined Real Madrid forward and current Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema, striker Christopher Nkunku, defender Presnel Kimpembe, Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante on the sidelines.

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Benzema ruled out of World Cup

Sports Brief had earlier reported that France star Karim Benzema has lost his race to be fit for the 2022 World Cup and has withdrawn from their squad, the country's football federation announced on Saturday.

The Real Madrid forward was voted the best player this year in the Ballon d'Or last month and the 34-year-old will be sorely missed by the World champions.

The emblematic Benzema has been struggling with a thigh problem since October and has played less than half an hour of football in his club's last six games.