PSG's Presnel Kimpembe ruled out of World Cup, Axel Disasi called up

Paris Saint-Germain and France centre-back Presnel Kimpembe has been forced to withdraw from the Bleus squad for the 2022 World Cup due to injury.

The 27-year-old has struggled to stay fit at club level during the 2022-23 season, making just 11 appearances for Christophe Galtier's side in all competitions.

Kimpembe firstly sustained a serious hamstring injury in a Ligue 1 win over Brest on October 9, which ruled him out of eight games for PSG across all tournaments.

The centre-back was also unable to participate in France's Nations League fixtures in September before making his return as captain in PSG's 4-3 win over Troyes on October 29.

However, Kimpembe then entered the treatment room again with Achilles tendon problems, but he recovered in time to play 15 minutes of the weekend's 5-0 success over Auxerre.

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Despite his recent comeback, Kimpembe has still not been deemed fit enough to compete in Qatar, and the 2018 representative has been replaced by uncapped Monaco defender Axel Disasi.

A statement from the French Football Federation read: "Presnel Kimpembe will not participate in the World Cup. The Paris-SG defender does not consider himself sufficiently recovered to be able to hold his place in the defense of the Blues in Qatar.

"This decision was taken this Monday morning, in Clairefontaine, after an exchange between the player and the doctor of the French team, Dr. Franck Le Gall, then between the player and Didier Deschamps.

"The staff of the French team salutes the honesty of Presnel and wishes him to regain all of his physical means as soon as possible. Didier Deschamps has decided, to replace Presnel Kimpembe, to call on Axel Disasi. The AS Monaco defender is expected during the day at CNF Clairefontaine."

Kimpembe only played one game for France at the 2018 World Cup - a goalless draw with Denmark - and he was an unused substitute beyond the group stage.

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The PSG man becomes the latest big name to be ruled out of the 2022 tournament for France, who are also without Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante and Mike Maignan as they prepare to defend their title.

France also announced the 26th and final member of their squad for the upcoming World Cup on Monday, with Borussia Monchengladbach's Marcus Thuram earning a place in the squad.

The son of Lilian Thuram has starred for the German club with 13 goals in 17 outings in all competitions this term, including 10 strikes from 15 appearances in the Bundesliga.

Thuram will now be looking to add to the four international caps he has already won in Qatar, as France prepare to take on Denmark, Australia and Tunisia in Group D.

Deschamps's side will begin the defence of their title against the Socceroos on November 22 before taking on Denmark on November 26, while Tunisia lie in wait in their final group game on November 30.