Boubacar Kamara doubtful for World Cup after suffering knee injury

Aston Villa midfielder Boubacar Kamara is at risk of missing the 2022 World Cup after suffering a knee injury before the international break.

Kamara, who joined Villa on a free transfer from Marseille during the summer, was called up for Didier Deschamps’ latest France squad but had to pull out after limping off the field shortly before half-time of last week’s 1-0 victory over Southampton.

“Aston Villa can confirm Boubacar Kamara suffered a knee ligament injury during last Friday’s victory over Southampton,” a Villa statement read.

“The midfielder sustained the damage during the first half of our encounter with Saints and was replaced by Douglas Luiz shortly before half-time. 

“As a result of the injury, Kamara was forced to withdraw from the French national squad for this round of UEFA Nations League fixtures and has begun a rehabilitation programme.”

While no timeframe has been put on Kamara’s recovery, sources have suggested to 90min that the 22-year-old is unlikely to feature again this calendar year, putting his involvement in the World Cup in Qatar in real danger.

Kamara becomes the second summer signing to succumb to a significant injury, following centre-back Diego Carlos, who ruptured his Achilles tendon just two games into his Villa career.