France midfielder Paul Pogba will miss their World Cup title defence after failing to recover from knee surgery in time for next month's tournament in Qatar.
Paul Pogba Photo: AFP
Pogba had an operation on a damaged meniscus in September but his agent said that, following a medical review, he would not be able to return to the Juventus squad or join up with France before the World Cup.
"Following yesterday and today's medical review in Torino and Pittsburgh, it is extremely painful to inform (you that) Paul Pogba will still need recovery time from his surgery," his agent Rafaela Pimenta said.
"For this reason, Paul will not be able to join the Juventus squad before the World Cup break nor the French national team in Qatar. If wishful thinking would change things, Paul would be playing tomorrow."
The 29-year-old Pogba's hopes of returning to action with Juve before the World Cup were shot down early last month when manager Massimiliano Allegri said the Italian club would realistically get him back only in January.
Pogba moved back to Juve in the close season after his contract with Manchester United expired but he has yet to feature for the Serie A club after sustaining the knee injury during their pre-season tour.
Juve released a statement saying "in light of the recent radiological examinations... (Pogba) needs to continue his rehabilitation program."
France had already lost Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante, who was ruled out for four months after having an operation on a hamstring injury this month.
Pogba was one of France's most influential players in their 2018 World Cup triumph, scoring in the final victory over Croatia as they won the title for the second time.
France, who are in Group D at this year's World Cup, begin their campaign against Australia on Nov. 22 before playing Denmark and Tunisia.
Following is a list of players who have been ruled out of the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 World Cup through injury.
PAUL POGBA (FRANCE)
Pogba injured his knee in pre-season and went under the knife in September to repair a damaged meniscus.
The 29-year-old resumed training but on Oct. 31 his agent said the midfielder would not return to action for Juventus nor the world champions before the World Cup.
N'GOLO KANTE (FRANCE)
The Chelsea midfielder suffered a setback in his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury that has restricted him to two appearances this season. He will be sidelined for four months after undergoing surgery.
REECE JAMES (ENGLAND)
The 22-year-old right back injured his knee in Chelsea's Champions League clash against AC Milan in October and looks certain to miss the tournament in Qatar after being ruled out for eight weeks.
DIOGO JOTA (PORTUGAL)
The Liverpool forward will miss the tournament due to a calf injury sustained in their win over Manchester City but the Premier League club's manager Juergen Klopp said that he would not require surgery.
ALEXANDER ISAK (SWEDEN)
The Newcastle United striker suffered a setback while recovering from a thigh injury and manager Eddie Howe confirmed he will not play again until after the World Cup.
PEDRO NETO (PORTUGAL)
The 22-year-old Wolverhampton Wanderers winger will undergo surgery on an ankle injury sustained against West Ham United in October.
BOUBACAR KAMARA (FRANCE)
The Aston Villa midfielder suffered a knee ligament injury in September that will keep him out until after the World Cup.
ARTHUR MELO (BRAZIL)
Liverpool's on-loan midfielder picked up a muscle injury in the build-up to a Champions League clash with Rangers in October.
JESUS 'TECATITO' CORONA (MEXICO)
The Sevilla winger suffered a fracture on his left ankle while he was training with the LaLiga club in August and underwent surgery.
The 29-year-old was named in Mexico coach Gerardo Martino's preliminary 31-man squad but Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli said he could return to training only by December.
Race against time
The following players are injured but fighting to get fit and be considered for selection.
ROMELU LUKAKU (BELGIUM)
Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku has injured his hamstring again after making a comeback after two months on the sidelines.
The 29-year-old, who is Belgium's top scorer, played only 29 minutes across two matches before his injury setback.
PAULO DYBALA (ARGENTINA)
AS Roma coach Jose Mourinho said the Argentina forward had suffered a "very bad' injury when he tweaked a thigh muscle while converting a penalty against Lecce.
KYLE WALKER (ENGLAND)
The Manchester City defender had successful groin surgery in early October but the 32-year-old said he was confident he will fully recover in time to make the trip to Qatar.
KALVIN PHILLIPS (ENGLAND)
The Manchester City midfielder has been sidelined due to a shoulder problem but could return before the World Cup.
RONALD ARAUJO (URUGUAY)
The Barcelona centre back opted for thigh surgery in late September, saying he made the choice to go under the knife to return to 100% "as soon as possible".
ANGEL DI MARIA (ARGENTINA)
The Juventus winger is out until early November due to a hamstring injury which the club said would need around three weeks to heal.
-Reuters
