The 32-year-old, who has 135 caps spanning a glorious 10-year career with Les Bleus, has lost out to rising star Johan Petro.

Julian, who was planning to play his last international tournament in Japan, is now set to concentrate on club commitments.

"This was a very painful decision because we knew Cyril's attachment to the national team," said Bergeaud after his side's 84-76 victory over Brazil in their final warm-up match.

"We are not used to sidelining players who have marked the history of French basketball.

"Cyril's disappointment is enormous because he did not plan to end his career this way. The FIBA World Championship is the only international competition he's never played in."

Bergeaud insisted Petro, 20, would bring more to the team and that he fitted in with his long-term plans more than Julian.

"My decision was dictated by sporting elements," the French coach added.

"We wanted to give young players better international experience since in the next few years our preparations ahead of big competitions will be shorter.

"This is a transitional time for the French team and those who have been given the opportunity to start the FIBA World Championship adventure must live up to expectations now."

Les Bleus, who have won eight of their 12 preparation matches, are in Group A along with Argentina, Lebanon, Nigeria, Serbia & Montenegro and Venezuela.

They tip-off on Saturday against Argentina, but face a race against time to get point guard Tony Parker fit after he injuring a hand against Brazil.

"This is the bad news of the day - Tony sprained a finger on his right hand after catching his finger in a player's shirt," a concerned Bergeaud explained.

"He is not well and for now we don't know how long he will be out for. According to our medical staff, there shouldn't be any risk of fracture.

"We've asked for further medical examinations to be carried out, but it's going to be hard because we are leaving for Japan tomorrow (Wednesday)."

But Bergeaud claims there is no need to press the panic button, as happened at the football World Cup four years ago, when France, on their way out of the tournament, rushed a half-fit Zinedine Zidane back into action.

"We are not going to do with Tony what was done in France with Zidane's thigh before the 2002 World Cup," he added. "If Tony can play, perfect. If not, we will wait until he recovers."