France’s attack was dealt a serious blow when Liverpool striker Dijbril Cisse was ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a broken leg against China in a ‘friendly’ game on Wednesday.

While not neccesarily expected to be in the French starting eleven when the squad was announced, Cisse was being given the opportunity to start for the French with the thought being that he may have played his way into a starting position for France’s opener against Switzerland on Tuesday. Now not only is his World Cup over, but he may struggle to find someone to play for next season after having stated his desire to leave Liverpool during the summer.

France has Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet to lead its attack, along with reserves Sylvain Wiltord and Louis Saha and Cisse’s replacement Sidney Govou, but Les Bleus cannot afford another injury to a striker if it hopes to contend for a second title.