Didier’s Luc is out as he’s hit by injury crisis

WORLD champions France are facing an injury crisis ahead of their Round-of-16 match against Switzerland tomorrow.

The French, who topped Group F, are struggling after left-back Lucas Hernandez had to be taken off with a knee injury in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw against Portugal.

His replacement Lucas Digne (below with boss Didier Deschamps) is also nursing a hamstring injury and looks unlikely to be fit, forcing potential defensive changes.

To make matters worse, winger Thomas Lemar is struggling with a leg injury while forward Marcus Thuram hurt his right thigh in training on Thursday, hobbling off the pitch with the support of medical staff.

The pre-tournament favourites are already without Ousmane Dembele after the Barcelona forward had to be withdrawn in last weekend’s game against Hungary.

He has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament and will require knee surgery.

But despite the injuries, France remain the clear favourites to progress as they have never lost to the Swiss in a competitive game.

And while Deschamps – bidding to become the first man to win the World Cup and Euros both as player and coach – may be struggling with fit defenders, he has won back a striker.

Real Madrid star Karim Benzema was recalled to the national team for the tournament after nearly a six-year absence.

And after scoring twice against Portugal in the last game, he will be looking to fire his side to glory.