Jaw Injury Forces Kolo Muani Out of France’s World Cup Qualifiers
Tottenham forward Randal Kolo Muani has pulled out of the France squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers after scans revealed he suffered a fractured jaw during Saturday’s 2–2 draw against Manchester United.
The 26-year-old was replaced at halftime, and although Spurs manager Thomas Frank initially downplayed the issue, further medical examinations showed the extent of the damage. The French Football Federation confirmed on Sunday that, after consultation between medical staff, Didier Deschamps had approved Kolo Muani’s withdrawal.
Lens winger Florian Thauvin has been called up as his replacement.
Kolo Muani, who has scored nine goals in 31 appearances for France, had only just returned to the national team for the first time since June after missing Deschamps’ previous two squads.
France will also be without Paris Saint-Germain duo Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé through injury. Deschamps’ side sit top of Group D with 10 points from four matches and host Ukraine at the Parc des Princes on Thursday before travelling to Azerbaijan on Sunday.
A victory over Ukraine would be enough for the 2018 world champions to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
