Nkunku is OUT of the World Cup after picking up an injury in training

Christopher Nkunku has been ruled out of the World Cup after picking up an injury in training, in another blow to France's hopes of retaining the World Cup.

Didier Deschamps side are looking to retain the title after their successful campaign in Russia back in 2018.

They have already faced several injury scares with key midfielders N'Golo Kante and Paul Pogba among those ruled out of the tournament.

Raphael Varane is also in a race against time to be fit for their tournament opener with Australia on November 22.

And, according to RMC Sport, RB Leipzig star Nkunku suffered the injury in Les Bleus final training session at Clairefontaine - the French national football centre, on Tuesday.

The report states that he collided with Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, leaving Nkunku with an issue on his left leg.

The French national team then confirmed the news on Tuesday evening that Nkunku would miss the tournament.

In a statement they said: 'Injured in training, Christopher Nkunku must give up participating in the World Cup. The whole group shares Christopher's sadness and wishes him a speedy recovery.'

The forward underwent medical tests on Tuesday after he had limped out of training.

The initial reaction to the incident from those present suggested worries about the impact the knock could have on his ability to participate in Qatar.

The Leipzig forward has been in superb form so far this season, scoring 12 goals and adding two assists in just 15 Bundesliga games.

As a result, he is top of the scoring charts in the German top flight and also helped his side to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages.

However, he is yet to score for his national team since making his debut in March of this year, racking up eight caps in the process - the injury is a heartbreaking blow to the forward who had hoped to make a big impact on the tournament.

Nkunku was one of several talented forwards to be picked by Deschamps in his squad for the World Cup which includes Karim Benzema, Kingsley Coman, Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann.

France have been drawn in Group D in Qatar and will face Australia, Denmark and Tunisia in the group.