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AL WAKRAH, Qatar — Lucas Hernandez‘s World Cup campaign is over after the France defender ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during defending champions’ 4-1 win over Australia in Group D on Tuesday.
The French federation (FFF) confirmed the news following medical tests in Qatar.
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Hernandez, who plays for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, limped off the pitch after staying on the grass for a couple of minutes holding his knee after being beaten to the ball by Mathew Leckie, who delivered the cross for Craig Goodwin‘s opening goal for Australia.
He was replaced by his brother Theo Hernandez.
“He needs to do some tests but it seems pretty serious. That’s the big black spot tonight,” coach Didier Deschamps following the game.
France had already seen several key players be ruled out of the World Cup ahead of the defense of the title they won in Russia four years ago.
Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema is missing the tournament with a knee injury suffered in training on Saturday, following on from fellow striker Christopher Nkunku, defender Presnel Kimpembe.and long-term absentees Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante.
France lead Group D with three points, two ahead of Tunisia and Denmark, who played out a goalless draw on Tuesday.
Information from Reuters was used in this report.