Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka will withdraw from a two qualifying matches against Lithuania due to a toe injury. The move will greatly affect the French squad, whom are trying to solidify their position in the next World Cup.

France currently trails Serbia and Lithuania by five points. Their next few games will be crucial if they want to qualify for next year’s finals in South Africa.  

Anelka bruised his toe during their loss last Saturday against Tottenham. The match left Chelsea in third place, four points behind Manchester United and three points behind Liverpool.

Reports confirm that Anelka could be out for up to three weeks, which means he will be unable to play against Newcastle on April 4. He can also miss Chelsea’s game against Liverpool.

He is expected to return at Stamford Bridge on April 14 where Chelsea battles Arsenal in the FA Cup semis.