One of the key members in the French football team, Paul Pogba, is to miss the World Cup as the 29-year-old midfielder continues his recovery from a knee injury suffered in July.
Juventus midfielder lifted the trophy with his country in 2018, scoring the third goal in their 4-2 final win over Croatia.
According to a report in Sky Sports, Pogba has not played for Juventus since rejoining this summer, having torn his meniscus in July during pre-season.
France kick-off their tournament in Qatar on November 22 against Australia, with barely three weeks for the 29-year-old to return to fitness.
Still Need Recovery
Paul Pogba's agent Rafaela Pimenta said in a statement, "Following yesterday and today's medical review in Torino and Pittsburgh, it is extremely painful to inform that Paul will still need recovery time from his surgery. For this reason, Paul will not be able to join the Juventus squad before the World Cup break nor the French National Team in Qatar.
"If wishful thinking would change things, Paul would be playing tomorrow. But what changes things are hard work, resilience and discipline, all of which are the only things in Paul's mind at these challenging times. Paul will continue working giving his very best to be back on the pitch for the fans and his team as soon as possible."
Juventus gave an update on his condition on Monday without explicitly mentioning he would miss the tournament, saying: "In light of the recent radiological examinations and the consultation carried out in Pittsburgh by Professor Volker Musahl for the evaluation of his knee, Paul Pogba needs to continue his rehabilitation programme."
