foxsports
MARSEILLE, France --
Goalkeeper Steve Mandanda has pulled out of the World Cup for France because of a neck injury.
Saint-Etienne goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier replaced Mandanda on the roster Sunday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ruffier has earned only one cap for France, compared to 16 for Mandanda.
Mandanda lost consciousness in Marseille's 1-0 win over Guingamp on Saturday after his head collided with the knee of striker Mustapha Yatabare. He was carried off the field on a stretcher and taken to the hospital.
Mandanda suffered a neck sprain and a crack in the first cervical vertebra. He'll need to wear a neck brace for three weeks.
France opens its World Cup campaign against Honduras on June 15 before facing Switzerland and Ecuador in Group E.
share
