Football France defender Koscielny ruled out of World Cup France will be without Laurent Koscielny at the World Cup after the defender suffered an Achilles injury while playing for Arsenal. Jamie Smith 05 May, 2018 01:41 IST France and Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny - Getty Images Jamie Smith 05 May, 2018 01:41 IST France defender Laurent Koscielny has been ruled out of the World Cup, the French Football Federation (FFF) has confirmed. Koscielny went down injured in the opening stages of Arsenal's Europa League semi-final defeat to Atletico Madrid on Thursday, with Arsene Wenger suggesting he had ruptured his Achilles. While the FFF did not confirm the specifics of the centre-back's problem, it was announced he will be unable to travel to Russia to represent his country. "It's a very big blow for the French team," said Les Bleus coach Didier Deschamps. "An injury never comes at the right time. "I am really very sad for Laurent because this World Cup was also a very important moment for him in his career and I wish him strength and a good return to the field because I'm sure he still has some great things to show." Koscielny, who has been capped 51 times by France, previously indicated he would retire from international football after the World Cup. Subscribe to our daily newsletter Get your daily dose of Sportstar with handpicked stories delivered right to your inbox! SUBSCRIBE Please enter a valid email address.