Diarra out of France squad

Lassana Diarra has withdrawn from the France squad ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Romania.

The Portsmouth midfielder is suffering from an inflammation to his left knee and will play no part in the match in Constanta.

The 23-year-old will also miss Les Bleus' friendly against Tunisia four days later.

Diarra, who has won 16 caps for France, has established himself as a regular for Les Bleus in recent months, starting each of their three games since Euro 2008.

His absence will come as a further blow to France coach Raymond Domenech, who is also waiting on the fitness of Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka ahead of this weekend's Group Seven clash.