France hit by injuries before Dutch clash

France will be without Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial, Alexandre Lacazette and Benjamin Mendy for their Nations League clash against the Netherlands.

All four have been ruled out due to injury as the World Cup champions take on the Netherlands on Friday, and then Uruguay in a friendly on November 20.

Manchester United's Pogba and Martial arrived at France's Clairefontaine training base but were released following an assessment by team doctor Franck Le Gall, the French Football Federation (FFF) said on Monday.

Arsenal's Lacazette was called up to replace Martial but was ruled out a few hours later due to an unspecified injury after Le Gall spoke to the English club's medical staff.

Pogba, who missed United's 3-1 away defeat by Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, was diagnosed with a muscular lesion in his left thigh while Martial has an adductor issue.

Manchester City left back Mendy has a knee sprain and has been replaced by Olympique Lyonnais defender Ferland Mendy, while Borussia Moenchengladbach forward Alassane Plea was called up for Lacazette.

Tottenham Hotspur's Moussa Sissoko came in for Pogba.

Martial played 90 minutes and scored United's goal against City from the penalty spot in the second half.

The injury will be frustrating for Martial, who fought his way back into the national squad after scoring six goals in his last five league appearances for United.