Thauvin to miss France’s football friendly against Russia

Paris, March 26: France winger Florian Thauvin will miss Tuesday's international football friendly against World Cup hosts Russia due to a hamstring injury, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced on Monday.

The French team, the 2016 European Championships runners-up, departed from Clairefontaine training base to Saint Petersburg, Russia on Monday morning, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Marseille winger was confirmed a left hamstring injury after receiving an MRI. France coach Didier Deschamps will not call up another player to replace him in the squad.

Thauvin was the pillar in keeping the Marseille side currently on third in the Ligue 1 standings with his 16 goals and 10 assists.

France, one of the World Cup title favourites, suffered a 3-2 turnaround against Colombia at Stade de France last Friday.

The 1998 World Cup champions are placed in Group C with Australia, Peru and Denmark at the 2018 World Cup to run from June 14 to July 15.