Richard Gasquet to miss Davis Cup with right ankle injury

Richard Gasquet lost in the semifinals of last week's Sony Open to Andy Murray.

Virginie Bouyer/Icon SMI

Richard Gasquet was replaced by France teammate Gilles Simon for Friday's singles against Argentina in the Davis Cup quarterfinals.

France captain Arnaud Clement withdrew Gasquet, citing a nagging right ankle injury, at Thursday's draw. The loss weakens France, which was a strong favorite to reach the semifinals.

In Friday's opening singles, Carlos Berlocq will face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Juan Monaco was picked to play Simon in the second singles match on the outdoor clay at Parque Roca on the outskirts of the Argentine capital.

Clement said he chose Simon because he has no injury issues.

"I prefer to have someone who is 100 percent, rather than a top player who is slowed a bit," Clement said.

Gasquet was bothered last week with the injury, losing to Andy Murray in the semifinals of the Sony Open.

Saturday's doubles are expected to see David Nalbandian and Horacio Zeballos playing Julien Benneteau and Michael Llodra.

Reverse singles are set for Sunday.

Argentina, which will be without top player Juan Martin del Potro, has lost all five previous matches with France.