France are likely to call upon Stephane Ruffier to deputise for Hugo Lloris in Brazil this summer after second choice keeper Steve Mandanda suffered a serious neck injury at the weekend.

Mandanda, who has 16 international caps, suffered a cracked vertebra in his neck while playing for Marseille on Saturday. He sustained the injury after being struck in the face by the knee of Guingamp's Mustapha Yatabare.

Revealing the news on Twitter, Mandanda told fans: "It is with great sadness that I announce that I will not be able to take part in the World Cup."

After seeing their 2010 World Cup campaign end in turmoil following the implosion under former coach Raymond Domenech, France has not had the smoothest start to their 2014 preparations either.

Samir Nasri’s controversial exclusion from the squad prompted girlfriend Anara Atanes to tweet her displeasure at the decision, including the wonderful line “F*** France and f*** Deschamps!”.

Deschamps has since launched legal action against Atanes, while Nasri has threatened to walk away from international football once and for all.

The former Chelsea man seems undeterred though, this week being quoted as saying "I'm happy. It's the beginning of a new adventure and we're really going to get stuck in now,".

Les Blues look hell-bent on passing the Dutch’s reputation for having a squad meltdown at major tournaments.

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