Injury forces Nasri out

Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has withdrawn from the France squad to play in the upcoming international friendlies, as an old injury has resurfaced to keep him on the sidelines.

Nasri was selected in Laurent Blanc’s squad to face the United States and Belgium, but is not fit enough to feature after suffering tendonitis in his knee in the 3-0 win over Villarreal in the Champions League last week.

“I have had a problem in my knee since the Villarreal match. It’s an old issue which is resurfacing,” the playmaker confirmed on French television.

Nasri has been sent back to Manchester to undergo treatment, and this has been confirmed by his nation.

“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,” a French Football Association spokesman revealed.

Nasri was an unused substitute in the Premier League leaders’ last game against QPR, and now faces a race to be fit in time for Roberto Mancini’s team’s game against Newcastle at home on November 19th.

By Gareth McKnight