Koscielny: Arsenal's France defender ruled out of World Cup
France will be without Laurent Koscielny at the World Cup after he suffered an Achilles injury while playing for Arsenal.
France defender Laurent Koscielny has been ruled out of the World Cup, the French Football Federation (FFF) has confirmed.
Arsenal defender suffers injury in defeat to Atlético
Koscielny went down injured in the opening stages of Arsenal's Europa League semi-final defeat to Atlético Madrid on Thursday, with Arsène Wenger suggesting he had ruptured his Achilles.
While the FFF did not reveal the specifics of the centre-back's problem, it was announced he will be unable to travel to Russia to represent his country.
Koscielny absence a "very big blow", says Deschamps
"It's a very big blow for the French team," said Les Bleus coach Didier Deschamps. "An injury never comes at the right time.
"I am really very sad for Laurent because this World Cup was also a very important moment for him in his career and I wish him strength and a good return to the field because I'm sure he still has some great things to show."
Koscielny, who has been capped 51 times by France, previously indicated he would retire from international football after the World Cup.