France goalkeeper Steve Mandanda risks missing the World Cup after injuring his neck while playing for Marseille on Saturday evening.
#INSERT type:image caption:Steve Mandanda is the backup to Hugo Lloris. END#
The 27-year-old was withdrawn after colliding with Guingamp striker Mustapha Yatabare during the first half of an eventual 1-0 victory for Marseille at the Stade Velodrome.
Mandanda has been named alongside keepers Hugo Lloris of Tottenham and Bastia's Mickael Landreau in France's 23-man squad for the Brazil finals, but Stephane Ruffier of Monaco may have to be called up from the reserve list.
After confirming Mandanda had suffered a cracked vertebra, club doctor Christophe Baudot moved to allay fears of any neurological damage.
"Steve has suffered a crack on his first cervical vertebra,'' Baudot told Marseille's official website. "We are still to learn the length of time he needs to recover, he must go for further tests on Monday. However, there is no neurological problem.
"He returned home in a medical transport after undergoing tests. He is wearing a neck brace, but he is fine.''