France defender Lucas Hernandez limped off injured in their opening game of the 2022 World Cup against Australia.

Lucas Hernandez injuredFrance confirm ACL injury, World Cup overList of injuries continues to grow for Deschamps

WHAT HAPPENED? Hernandez pulled up in the build-up to Australia’s opening goal, and clutched his knee as he lay on the floor. He was then replaced by his brother Theo Hernandez, with his World Cup now over as France confirm in a tweet he has ruptured his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament).

Victime d’une rupture du ligament croisé antérieur du genou droit, @LucasHernandez doit renoncer au Mondial.

Tout le groupe lui souhaite le meilleur rétablissement possible ?#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/TIgHi3qOPJ

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) November 23, 2022

WHAT THEY SAID: Deschamps released a statement following the diagnosis saying: “Like the whole group, I am extremely sorry for Lucas. We are losing an important element. Lucas is a warrior and I have no doubt that he will do everything to get back to the fore.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: This is yet another injury blow for Les Bleus after Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema was ruled out the day before the tournament kicked off. Didier Deschamps is also without Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, players that were pivotal when France won the World Cup last time out.

IN A PHOTO:

WHAT NEXT FOR HERNANDEZ & FRANCE? Hernandez is likely to be out for the remainder of the 2022/23 season. France are unable to call up a replacement, and their squad now consists of 24 players, two less than the alloted 26.