Neck injury rules Mandanda out of World Cup

Capped 16 times by France, Mandanda was carried off during the 1-0 win against EA Guingamp following a collision with Mustapha Yatabaré. Scans afterwards revealed that the 29-year old had suffered a cracked cervical vertebra "which will require a three-week rest and another three weeks of rehab," according to OM's medical staff.

"I sadly announce that, unfortunately, I won't be able to take part in the World Cup," said Mandanda. "I wish the France team a successful World Cup." Mandanda was set to travel as second-choice keeper behind Hugo Lloris; instead, AS Saint-Étienne's Stéphane Ruffier will now come into the squad as a replacement, having been named in Didier Deschamps' seven-man reserve group on 13 May.

Les Bleus will play their first warm-up game against Norway at the Stade De France on 27 May, before further friendlies against Paraguay and Jamaica. France begin their Group E campaign against Honduras in Porto Alegre on 15 June before facing Switzerland and Ecuador. For more information, you can click fifa xbox coins