Laurent Koscielny pulls out of France squad

Laurent Koscielny has been forced to withdraw from the France squad that is due to face Uruguay on Wednesday night with a calf injury.

The Arsenal defender sustained the problem during his side's 4-0 pre-season friendly victory over FC Koln last night.

He travelled to the French squad's base in Clairefontaine for a medical assessment this morning, where it was decided that he was not fit enough to hold down a place in the squad.

Koscielny's absence has left Mamadou Sakho, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Raphael Varane as the only recognisable centre-backs at the disposal of coach Didier Deschamps.

It is not yet known whether Koscielny will be able to feature for the Gunners on the opening day of the Premier League season against Sunderland this Saturday.