France goalkeeper, Steve Mandanda has confirmed he will be missing 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil through his twitter account. The Marseille shot stopper was withdrawn from a match before the end of first half after a collision with Guingamp striker Mustapha Yatabare. The match played at Stade Velodrome on Saturday was eventually won 1 – 0 by Marseille.
The injury has put the player at risk of missing the World Cup considering how delicate the region which the injury was sustained is. The French number two goalkeeper confirmed missing of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil via is official twitter account on Sunday and he wrote, “It is with sadness that I announce that unfortunately I will not be able to keep my place in the World Cup squad. I wish the team of France a World Cup full of success.”
Mandanda has been confirmed to have suffered a cracked vertebra, but not neurological damage. The club’s doctor Christophe Baudot confirmed the injury through Marseille’s official website; “Steve has suffered a crack on his first cervical vertebra. We are still to learn the length of time he needs to recover; he must go for further tests on Monday. However, there is no neurological problem. He returned home in a medical transport after undergoing tests. He is wearing a neck brace, but he is fine.”
The 27-year old Mandanda is one of the three goalkeepers that have been named in the France squad for the World Cup alongside; Bastia’s Mickael Landreau and Hugo Lloris of Tottenham. With this latest development; it is possible that Stephane Ruffier of Monaco will replace Mandanda at the World Cup.
Not the best of ways to end a good season, Missing out of the French squad for the world cup just after his inclusion. Better days ahead Mandanda.
His injury reminds me of the spanish goal keeper in 2002 who missed the world cup because of an injury after a shaving stick fell on his leg… Get well soon Mandanda