Martial withdrawn with injury in France win
Anthony Martial was replaced in the second half of France's 2-0 victory over Kazakhstan with a suspected knee injury.
The Manchester United forward started alongside Paul Pogba during the World Cup qualifier in Nur-Sultan, and Martial produced an outstanding assist in the first half to set up Ousmane Dembele for the game's opener.
Our no.9 picked up the ball midway inside the opposition half and pirouetted round a defender, before gliding forward and laying the ball off to the Barcelona man. Check it out below via @SkyFootball...
Martial ➡️ Dembele ➡️⚽
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 28, 2021
Ousmane Dembele fires France in front against Kazakhstan ✔️
📺 🇰🇿 vs 🇫🇷 live on Sky Sports Football now! pic.twitter.com/Hh4XCYQYxp
Anthony Martial’s first half vs. Kazakhstan:
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 28, 2021
82% pass accuracy
2 chances created
2 ball recoveries
2 dribbles
1 assist
Linking things up. 👏 pic.twitter.com/Z6pMfIHDTA
However, it was a less productive second period for Martial, who unfortunately picked up an apparent injury after the break.
The attacker was holding his knee while receiving treatment and, although he did continue for a few minutes, was replaced just before the hour mark by Kylian Mbappe, who went on to miss a penalty for the world champions.
At present, there is no update on Martial's fitness, but make sure to check out our International Blog for any news that might arise on the situation.
Pogba was also taken off after around 60 minutes in Kazakhstan, in place of Juventus's Adrien Rabiot.
An own goal via Serhiy Malyi had doubled France's lead before the break, and it proved to be enough for Les Bleus, as they came away with three points and a first win in the World Cup qualification group stage.
Didier Deschamps men are next in action on Wednesday when they face Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Manchester United's Anthony Martial limps off for France after getting his studs caught in the turf 🤕 pic.twitter.com/JJ7DmPQuzX
— Goal (@goal) March 28, 2021