France Women are set to be without star midfielder Amandine Henry at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
Tournament favourites France will have to navigate the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup without star midfielder Amandine Henry, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to a calf injury.
France lose star midfielder ahead of World Cup
France have been touted as one of the teams likely to lift the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, but they will have to mount their title challenge without veteran midfielder Amandine Henry.
The Lyon star, whose dream of playing at the World Cup was reignited when she was reinstated into the team by new manager Herve Renard, has now had that dream dashed after it was revealed that a muscle injury would rule her out of participating at the World Cup.
Henry was one of the players exiled by former coach Corinne Diacre, despite being one of the most influential players on one of the best teams in the world at the time.
Henry to be replaced by Manchester United defender
A statement from the FFF confirmed Henry’s absence, noting that tests carried out on the 33-year-old midfielder “revealed a muscle injury to the left calf which will prevent her from participating in the Women’s World Cup, scheduled from July 20 to August 20 in Australia and New Zealand.”
The midfielder, who has represented France at two World Cups already, will be replaced in the squad by Manchester United defender Aïssatou Tounkara, originally axed from the final 23 squad for the tournament.
The 28-year-old will rejoin the main squad after being part of the reserves for the competition starting in less than two weeks.
France will be aiming for their maiden World Cup title when they take on Jamaica, Brazil, and Panama in Group F of the 2023 edition.
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