Lucas Hernandez ruled out of the World Cup after suffering injury in France’s victory over Australia

France’s injury woes continue to pile up as defender Lucas Hernandez becomes the fourth player to be removed from the World Cup squad.

The Bayern Munich defender was forced off just 13 minutes into his World Cup debut in France’s first 4-1 win over Australia on Tuesday.

Hernandez, who was replaced by his younger brother Theo, was seen holding on to his knee for a few minutes after being knocked to the ball by Matthew Leckie – who delivered the cross for Craig Goodwin to give Australia a shock lead.

Lucas Hernandez has been ruled out of the World Cup after a torn ACL injury

The Bayern Munich defender was forced off just 13 minutes into their win over Australia

The French Football Federation has now confirmed that the player has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury and has been banned from participating in the World Cup.

He becomes the fourth France player to be withdrawn from Didier Deschamps’ side, after Presnel Kimpembe, Christopher Nkunku and Karim Benzema were all ruled out with injury.

Reacting to the news, Deschamps said: ‘Like the whole group, players and staff, I am extremely sorry for Lucas.

Karim Benzema (photo), Christopher Nkunku and Presnel Kimpembe were previously withdrawn from the selection

We are losing an important element. Lucas is a warrior and I have no doubt he will do anything to get back to the game. first plan.

“I know him well, courage, he will have it, that’s for sure. On behalf of the group, I wish him the best possible recovery.

It is a bitter blow to France’s hopes of retaining the World Cup, with Les Bleus already entering the tournament without the likes of Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante.

Didier Deschamps said France were losing an “important element” to their selection in Hernandez

The RB Leipzig attacker will be sidelined for an indefinite period with a torn knee ligament.

Benzema was ruled out of the tournament on Saturday after sustaining a thigh injury in his first full training session in the Middle East as he battled to recover from knee and hamstring problems.

The Real Madrid star will be out for three weeks, which would keep him out until the semi-finals, although France decided not to take any chances with his injury.