RB Leipzig confirm Christopher Nkunku will be out for the forseeable future with a knee injury

Christopher Nkunku will be out for an unspecified period after tearing a ligament in his knee, RB Leipzig have confirmed.

The injury came after Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga put in a lunging tackle on Nkunku during France training that left the striker on the floor.

Randal Kolo Muani has been drafted into the France squad to replace Nkunku during the World Cup, but it remains unclear how the injury could affect Leipzig when the Bundesliga season resumes after Christmas.

Marco Rose's side went into the break third in the league, but have been reliant on Nkunku for goals, with the Frenchman netting 12 in just 15 Bundesliga games so far.

The injury could also be a blow to Chelsea, who were believed to be willing to pay the striker's £53 million release clause.

Leipzig released a statement about the injury on Saturday, which read: 'Christo tore the lateral ligament in his left knee on November 15 while training with the French National team.

'It is unclear how long he will be out; there are several treatment options for this injury.'

Nkunku posted an admirably upbeat statement the day before, saying: 'Yesterday evening, following medical examinations, I had to leaves Les Bleus and withdraw from the World Cup.

'Now it's time to work with only one objective: to come back even stronger.'

He included a message for Camavinga, who had received abuse online for his role in Nkunku's injury: 'A thought for my team-mate Eduardo Camavinga, who has been unfairly targeted. The World Cup must be a moment of harmony, not of division.

'Thank you to all my staff and my team-mates for their support. I will be your biggest supporter. Make us proud!'