Frankfurt’s Muani replaces injured Nkunku in France squad
EINTRACHT Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani has replaced the injured Christopher Nkunku in France’s World Cup squad, a team statement said on Wednesday.
The defending champions have had rotten luck with injuries in the run-up to the Qatar tournament.
N’Golo Kanté, Paul Pogba and Presnel Kimpembe were ruled out and now Leipzig’s Nkunku suffered a knee problem in training in a challenge with Eduardo Camavinga.
The 23-year-old Kolo Muani has scored five goals in the Bundesliga this term and has a league-high nine assists. Nkunku is the Bundesliga top scorer with 12.
Kolo Muani is currently on tour with Frankfurt in Japan and will arrive in Doha on Thursday, a France statement said.
France open the defence of their title on November 22 against Australia and also face Denmark and Tunisia in Group D.
A host of top names are missing the tournament or carrying injuries, with some pundits wondering if the unique November and December timing is a factor, given players have been in the midst of a busy club season.
France have been hit more than most ahead of the World Cup starting on Sunday.
“The whole group shares Christopher’s sadness and wishes him a speedy recovery,” a France tweet said.
Axel Disasi had already replaced injured defender Kimpembe since the squad was named last week. Fellow defender Raphaël Varane is in contrast carrying an injury into the tournament.
Borussia Mönchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram was also a late addition to the squad, with coach Didier Deschamps initially calling up 25 when his limit was 26.