France's Mendy ruled out of finals
Thursday, July 25, 2013
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Ahead of the decisive Group B game against Serbia, France have been forced to replace injured full-back Benjamin Mendy with Olympique Lyonnais defender Louis Nganioni.
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France will be without full-back Benjamin Mendy for the remainder of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship after he suffered a reported thigh injury during Tuesday's 2-1 victory against Turkey.
Mendy, who recently left Le Havre AC for Olympique de Marseille, picked up the knock in the 72nd minute of France's Group B win in Alytus and, after undergoing tests, has been ruled out of the finals. His place in the squad will be taken by Olympique Lyonnais defender Louis Nganioni. "Unfortunately, due to my injury, I have to leave the squad," Mendy tweeted. "I'll continue to support the team until the end. They will do it."
Having earned four points from their two Group B encounters against Georgia and Turkey thus far, France can guarantee a place in the semi-finals alongside Friday's opponents Serbia with a draw in Kaunas.