French Talisman Franck Ribery Ruled Out of World Cup Through Injury

A back injury has sidelined France winger Franck Ribery from the World Cup in Brazil.

Montpellier’s Remy Cabella has been called in to replace the Bayern Munich star named Europe’s player of the year last season.

Cabella was on the reserve list and has made just one substitute appearance for France.

Clement Grenier, 23, of Olympique des Lyonnais, will also miss the 2014 tournament with an abductor injury.

Southampton Morgan Schneiderlin will replace the attacking midfielder, who won the European under-19 championship two years ago.

Coach Didier Deschamp had hoped Ribery’s expertise and experience would be of importance for the ‘Les Blues’ in the South American city.

The 31-year-old has been struggling with a back problem and had taken part in an individual training programme prior to his return to group work on Friday.

A thigh injury forced Grenier out of Thursday’s session. The former youth player missed much of the Ligue 1 run-in with a groin problem and limped off the squad training field at Clairefontaine, owing to problem in his abductor muscle.

Deschamp has already lost Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda to injury, paving way for St. Ettienne’s Stephane Ruffier to join the squad.