Steve Mandanda to miss World Cup with neck injury

Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda will miss the World Cup for France after suffering a cracked vertebra in his neck.

The 27-year-old was taken off in the first half of Marseille's 1-0 victory over Guingamp on Saturday after colliding with striker Mustapha Yatabare.

Mandanda had been named in Didier Deschamps' 23-man squad alongside Hugo Lloris and Mickael Landreau for the tournament in Brazil, but now will miss out due to the six-week injury lay-off.

Marseille club doctor Christophe Baudot said: "Steve Mandanda is suffering from a crack in his first cervical vertebra and from a cervical sprain.

"It will require wearing a neck brace for three weeks and the same amount of time in physiotherapy."

Marseille coach Vincent Labrune added: "I feel a great disappointment for the player, who is going to miss an important competition."

Stephane Ruffier of Saint-Etienne is likely to replace Mandanda in the squad.