Soccer world champions France will have to do without one of their most important players at the World Cup in Qatar (November 20th to December 18th). N’Golo Kanté will miss the tournament due to injury, according to a statement from his club Chelsea FC on Tuesday evening.
The 31-year-old was operated on after consulting a specialist doctor on the back of his thigh. “N’Golo is expected to be out for four months,” Chelsea said. The World Cup starts in just under five weeks.
Kanté is one of the world’s best defensive midfielders, known for his speed and winning streak. He was one of the mainstays of the French on their way to the 2018 World Cup title.
“The fact that he won’t be there is a huge weakness. We will miss his energy and his experience,” said coach Didier Deschamps about the 53-time international (2 goals).
France will face Australia, Denmark and Tunisia in Group D at the World Cup. Deschamps wants to name his squad on November 9th.