Losing Diarra a hard blow, says Domenech

Losing Lassana Diarra for the World Cup is a "hard blow" for France, coach Raymond Domenech said.

Losing Lassana Diarra for the World Cup is a "hard blow" for France, coach Raymond Domenech said.

Midfielder Diarra, who left the team on Saturday after missing training for three days because of persistent stomach pains, has been ruled out of the finals. He suffers from a genetic blood disorder affecting red blood cells and causing chronic fatigue.

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"It's a hard blow for him, because he had worked very hard to be at the World Cup, and for us, because he was an important member of that team with his playing style and mental strength," Domenech said.