France have confirmed that centre-back Presnel Kimpembe has been forced to withdraw from the World Cup squad through injury.
The PSG man picked up a hamstring issue in October and followed that up with a minor Achilles injury upon his return, but he was included in Didier Deschamps’ initial 25-man World Cup squad and there was hope that he would recover in time for the World Cup.
Kimpembe even made his return to competitive action at the weekend as he came off the bench late in PSG’s 5-0 victory over Auxerre, adding to the optimism about his involvement at the tournament.
However, France have now confirmed that he has not recovered enough to retain his spot in the squad, and Kimpembe himself has chosen to withdraw.
“Presnel Kimpembe will not participate in the World Cup,” a statement read. “The PSG defender does not consider himself sufficiently recovered to be able to hold his place in Les Bleus’ defence in Qatar.
“This decision was taken this Monday morning, in Clairefontaine, after an exchange between the player and the doctor of the French team, Dr. Franck Le Gall, then between the player and Didier Deschamps.
“The staff of the French team salute the honesty of Presnel and wish him to regain all of his physical means as soon as possible.”
In his place, Monaco’s Axel Disasi has been called up to the squad.
Credit: 90min.com
