Diarra blow for France

Midfielder struggling with knee injury

Last updated: 6th October 2008

Lassana Diarra Portsmouth

Diarra: Knee problem

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Lassana Diarra has been ruled out of France's World Cup qualifier with Romania through injury.

The Portsmouth midfielder, who missed Sunday's win over Stoke through suspension, is struggling with a knee injury.

The former Chelsea and Arsenal has now been forced to withdraw from the France squad for the Group Seven qualifier with Romania and the friendly against Tunisia four days later.

The news is a blow for France coach Raymond Domenech, who is also sweating over the fitness of Nicolas Anelka after he picked up a knock in Chelsea's weekend win over Aston Villa.

Domenech has yet to decide whether or not to call up a replacement for Diarra.