Tunisia talisman Youssef Msakni ruled out of World Cup with knee injury

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 08 April 2018

Tunisia forward Youssef Msakni will play no part in this summer's World Cup in Russia after being ruled out for six months due to a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Tunisia forward Youssef Msakni has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a cruciate ligament injury during his final league game of the season.

The 27-year-old, who has won 39 caps for the Carthage Eagles, was injured during Al Duhail's 5-2 victory over Al Sailiya in the Qatar Stars League on Saturday.

"Msakni will be absent for six months, and with this injury he... will be absent from participation with his national team in the World Cup in Russia," a statement from Al Duhail read.

Tunisia's star player took to Instagram to celebrate the club's sixth QSL title, as well as confirming his injury.

"Thank God for this, but it's just fate to experience the unexpected. Congratulations for the trophy," Msakni wrote.

"Sadly this injury has denied me a chance to continue with my club and to play in the World Cup."

Msakni has scored nine goals for his country, including a hat-trick against Guinea, as Tunisia qualified for the World Cup after a 12-year absence.

The Carthage Eagles will face England, Belgium and Panama in Group G of the World Cup, which starts on June 14.