Ruffier replaces injured Mandanda in French squad

• by Soccer America , May 19, 2014

[WORLD CUP 2014] Goalkeeper Steve Mandanda was forced to pull out of France's squad for the World Cup after injuring his neck in a horrific collision on the final day of the Ligue 1 season on Saturday.

Mandanda lost consciousness after his head hit the knee of Guingamp striker Mustapha Yatabare early in the first half. He had to leave the field on a stretcher and was taken to the hospital, where it was determined he had suffered a neck sprain and a crack in the first cervical vertebra. He will have to wear a neck brace for three weeks.

St. Etienne goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier, who was on standby, will replace Mandanda in the France squad.

France Roster (23 Players):
Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham /ENG), Stephane Ruffier (St. Etienne), Mickael Landreau (Bastia)
Defenders: Raphael Varane (Real Madrid /SPA), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool/ENG), Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle/ENG), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal/ENG), Lucas Digne (Paris SG), Eliaquim Mangala (Porto/POR), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal/ENG), Patrice Evra (Man. United/ENG).
Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (Paris SG), Paul Pogba (Juventus/ITA), Blaise Matuidi (Paris SG), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle/ENG), Clement Grenier (Lyon), Rio Mavuba (Lille), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille).
Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid/SPA), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich/GER), Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad/SPA), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal/ENG), Loic Remy (Newcastle/ENG).