France have confirmed right-back Lucas Hernandez’s World Cup is over after sustaining an ACL injury in Tuesday’s 4-1 win over Australia.
The Bayern Munich defender went down in the lead-up to Australia’s ninth-minute goal to take the lead from Craig Goodwin.
Hernandez’s brother Theo replaced him, but there were major concerns for him, with head coach Didier Deschamps after post-game it looked “serious”.
The French Football Federation (FFF) have since confirmed it is an ACL injury, becoming the latest Les Bleus’ player to be ruled out of the World Cup, alongside Karim Benzema and Christopher Nkunku over the past week from their original squad.
“Like the whole group, players and staff, I am extremely sorry for Lucas,” Deschamps said in a statement.
“We are losing an important element. Lucas is a warrior and I have no doubt that he will do everything possible to return to the game.
“I know him well: courage, he will have it, that’s for sure. On behalf of the group, I wish him the best possible recovery.”
The reigning world champions were already without Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante for the World Cup due to injury.
Presnel Kimpembe was ruled out late too, while Raphael Varane missed their opening game due to injury.
Olivier Giroud netted a double against the Socceroos to equal Thierry Henry’s all-time scoring record for France of 51.
France captain Hugo Lloris praised the AC Milan forward for his impact in the absence of Ballon d’Or winner Benzema.
“I think Olivier has always been there for the France team,” Lloris said. I think he has the merit of never having given up. It’s very exemplary on his part.
“Unfortunately, we lost Karim to injury and we were all very disappointed, Olivier first. We had to move on. And we know that we can count on everyone. We can count on Olivier.”
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