Laurent Koscielny to miss France's World Cup campaign due to Achilles injury
Friday 4 May 2018 22:13, UK
The French Federation has confirmed that defender Laurent Koscielny is ruled out of this summer's World Cup in Russia.
Koscielny suffered a serious injury during the first 10 minutes of Arsenal's Europa League semi final second leg defeat at Atletico Madrid.
The defender was clearly in pain as he was stretchered off the field and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said after the match that the player may have ruptured his Achilles.
And France have now confirmed that the 32-year-old, who has 51 caps, will have to sit out the World Cup.
France coach Didier Deschamps said: "It's a very big blow for the French team.
"An injury never comes at the right time.
"I am really very sad for Laurent because this World Cup was also a very important moment for him in his career.
"I wish him strength and a good return to the field, because I'm sure he still has some great things to show."
