France’s Kamara ruled out of Qatar World Cup with injury

France midfielder Boubacar Kamara has been ruled out of the World Cup in Qatar due to a knee ligament injury, Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard said.

The 22-year-old, who has three caps for the national team after making his debut in June, picked up the injury in the 1-0 Premier League win over Southampton earlier this month.

“Bouba will be missing until after the World Cup unfortunately so that’s a huge blow,” Gerrard told reporters ahead of his side’s league trip to Leeds United tomorrow.

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Boubacar’s absence is the latest blow to defending champions France, who have also been without key midfielders N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba in the build-up to the showpiece event that kicks off on Nov. 20.

France open their campaign against Australia in Group D on Nov. 22 followed by group games against Denmark and Tunisia.