(Football news) Defending champions France have been hit with an injury crisis in this tournament. Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante who were the midfield duo in the last World Cup are both injured. Presnel Kimpembe was also injured but Deschamps still selected him in the squad. After a couple of days it was confirmed that he will not be able to gain fitness and was hence replaced by Axel Disasi. Karim Benzema and Raphael Varane are not match fit as both have had a lot of injuries this season. The latest blow was when Christopher Nkunku was injured in training after a clash with Eduardo Camavinga. The absence of Nkunku will be felt as he was a great option off the bench as he has been in terrific form for the past two seasons. 

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani has been named as his replacement. Muani has been incredible for Frankfurt this season with 8 goals and 10 assists in all competitions. After leaving French club Nantes for free, the 23 year old has burst onto the scene. His last international call-up was back in September for the Nations League games. Muani will most probably not play a single minute unless there is an injury crisis. 7 forwards namely Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele, Kingsley Coman, Olivier Giroud and Marcus Thuram are all way ahead of him in the pecking order.

But it will be an incredible experience for Muani to be a part of the World Cup. He has been called up ahead of Wissam Ben Yedder and Moussa Diaby who would've been the more experienced options. Another player who could've been considered was Anthony Martial. Despite his injury issues, Martial has 3 goals, 3 assists for Manchester United this season. Selecting him would've also worked out but perhaps Deschamps wanted a younger player who can sit on the bench and learn because there is very little chance for any of Nkunku's replacements to get a single minute in the tournament.

Also read: 5 players who will come into the World Cup with injury issues