Florent Manaudou injured his left knee during the 50m breaststroke forcing him out of the freestyle dash at the French Elite Championships in Limoges.
The four-time world champion had to withdraw from the 50 free at the premier selection meet for the World Championships in June and August’s European showcase.
It was, he said, as a result of competing in the 50br on Thursday in which he was third in 28.23 although he expects to be back in the water by the end of the week where he will focus on the free as planned.
The six-time European gold medallist told the French Swimming Federation:
“I didn’t train enough on this event before and it flared up because my body wasn’t used to it.
“Despite everything, I had a lot of fun competing in these two 50m breaststrokes.”
He added:
“I regret nothing. I had a lot of fun and I had a smile on my face in the heats and in the final.
“I had a little trouble during the evening warm-up because I was already feeling pain but I wanted to take part in the final because it was fun.
“I’m obviously a little sad not to compete in the 50m freestyle but it’s not very serious.”
“When I learned that I had this and that in addition I felt pain I immediately made my decision. I don’t like to swim when I’m not 100% physically.
“I’m like a race car. I can go very fast when everything is going well but as soon as there is a grain of sand in the cogs, it has an impact on my performance.
“I wouldn’t have been able to be 100% and I wouldn’t have had a good day.”
Manaudou had already qualified for Budapest in the 50 fly and watched as Maxime Grousset secured the sprint double with 22.28 in the 50 ahead of Nanz Mazellier (22.44).
Manaudou had already registered a time of 22.19 meaning another tilt at the 50 free world crown.