City star Nasri ruled out of friendlies

08 November 2011 21:17

Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri was ruled out on Tuesday of France's upcoming friendlies with the United States and Belgium because of an inflamed left knee, the French Football Federation announced.

The 24-year-old - capped 27 times - had been a doubt for Friday's match against the US and next Tuesday's clash with neighbours Belgium and a scan confirmed he would not make either date.

"The hospital examination as well as complementary examinations confirmed the inflammation and as a result it was plainly clear the player would not be fit to play," the FFF said in a statement.

Earlier on Tuesday coach Laurent Blanc had said he would give other injury worries Yohan Cabaye, Florent Malouda and Loic Remy time to prove their fitness.

"Unfortunately we've got problems with a few players," said Blanc.

"Yohan Cabaye picked up a (thigh) problem in his last match with Newcastle and that's why he underwent some tests. Loic Remy has a groin problem, Flo (Malouda) took a big knock to the thigh.

"The first days of training are always very difficult for the medical staff, and that's still the case.

"We'll have a look tonight (Tuesday) and tomorrow morning and, depending on each player's availability, we'll know if we're going to stick with the current squad or if we'll have to call up one or two more players.

"We'll see who's out of the first match and who could play in the second. I'm giving myself time to think about it."

Source: AFP