France defender Laurent Koscielny will miss the World Cup after he suffered a suspected ruptured Achilles playing for Arsenal on Thursday.
It signals the end of his international career since the 32-year-old centre-half was retiring from the national side after the tournament in Russia. The French Football Federation said on its website that the injury rules him out, without adding further details.
France coach Didier Deschamps paid tribute to Koscielny, a mainstay of the side since Deschamps took charge after the 2012 European Championship.
“It’s a very big blow for the France team,” Deschamps said. “Laurent was a senior player, who was present at the (2014) World Cup and Euro 2016. He’s used to the international matches, used to the highest level and the daily life of the national side.”
An elegant, ball-playing defender known for his astute passing and positional sense, Koscielny made his France debut in 2011 against the United States. He scored one goal in 51 appearances. He also played under former coach Laurent Blanc at Euro 2012.