Christopher Nkunku defends France teammate Eduardo Camavinga as Real Madrid midfielder targeted with

Publish date: 2024-05-28

Christopher Nkunku has defended Eduardo Camavinga after his teammate’s challenge ruled him out of the World Cup.

The RB Leipzig striker sustained a knee injury during a France training session, that subsequently meant he is unable to compete in Qatar.

The 20-year-old Real Madrid midfielder was subsequently targeted by racist abuse on social media, which has since prompted a response from Nkunku.

“A thought to my teammate Eduardo Camavinga, who has been unfairly targeted. The World Cup should be a moment of harmony, not of decision,” said Nkunku in a social media post.

The striker also sent a good luck message to his teammates: “Thank you to all the staff and my teammates for their help. I will be your biggest supporter. Make us proud!”

The injury to Nkunku is the latest blow to the reigning world champions with N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba having already been ruled out the tournament.

France have drafted in Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani as a replacement.

In a statement, they said: “Didier Deschamps has decided to summon the Eintracht Frankfurt striker to replace that of RB Leipzig's Christopher Nkunku.

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“The FIFA Medical Committee having endorsed the withdrawal of Christopher Nkunku due to injury, Didier Deschamps had the possibility of calling a player to replace him.

“The national coach has decided to call on Randal Kolo Muani. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker, currently in Japan with his club, will join the French team in Doha on Thursday morning.”

Nkunku has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea but it's understood his injury will not impact the situation.

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