French striker Christopher Nkunku from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig will miss the World Cup in Qatar after suffering an injury in training. The French association announced this late Tuesday evening.

The radiological examinations revealed a sprain in the knee joint. The defending champion only wants to announce the name of Nkunku's replacement once the world association FIFA has validated the medical file.

"Get well soon, Christo! This news hurts," RB Leipzig tweeted immediately after the news from France's World Cup quarters: "We are with you and know that you will come back stronger!" Nkunku's RB teammate Timo Werner will also miss the World Cup due to injury.

Nkunku has made eight appearances for the national team, with two assists. The fast and technically highly talented attacker was planned as a backup player under coach Didier Deschamps. The competition, especially up front, is fierce for the Equipe Tricolore.

France meet Australia, Denmark and Tunisia in Group D of the World Cup finals in Qatar.