France's Pires to miss World Cup

Pires is out for the rest of the season

LONDON, England -- French international Robert Pires will miss this summer's football World Cup because of injury.

The 29-year-old Arsenal winger sustained serious cruciate knee ligament damage which will rule him out for several months, said the London club's Web site on Monday.

Pires has been in sparkling form this season and his absence is a major blow to the world champions as they prepare to defend their crown in Japan and South Korea.

Pires will also miss Arsenal's challenge to win the English Premiership and the FA Cup.

RESOURCES World Cup 2002  from CNNSI.com

He was carried off during Arsenal's 3-0 FA Cup quarterfinal win over Newcastle at Highbury on Saturday and was examined in Paris a day later by top specialist Phillipe Boixel.

The Web site statement added: "Robert is expected to undergo surgery later this week and everyone at Arsenal Football Club wishes Robert a full recovery."

Pires, who cost Arsenal £6 million when they signed him from Marseille in July 2000, has won 48 caps and scored seven goals for France.

The statement added: "It's a bitter blow for the French international who has been in magnificent form this season and an instrumental figure in the club's challenge for honours."