France boss Didier Deschamps has confirmed that Karim Benzema will play no further part in France’s World Cup campaign.
Benzema was previously ruled out of the World Cup after picking up an injury in training just days before the start of the competition, with the striker expected to miss three weeks due to a muscle tear.
However, Deschamps had previously left the door open to the Ballon d’Or winner playing a part in the tournament, previously believing he’d force a return for the opening match.
“He will be with us despite the injury he suffered – his injury is because he played a lot in a short period which affected him.
“I believe that he will do everything he can to [be] ready for the France-Australia match,” Deschamps said.
But now, his national boss has scuppered any chance the 34-year-old had of making it back to feature in what will surely be his last World Cup, saying: “It’s not something I think about now. I spoke with Benzema after leaving.”
TIF’s Thoughts on Deschamps’ comments…
It’s unsurprising to hear that the 54-year-old is not looking to call upon the Real Madrid star despite his incredible year seeing him voted as the world’s best.
Despite a stuttering start against Australia, the World Cup holders swiftly dispatched them in the second half before becoming the first team in Qatar to win both their opening group games and secure a place in the knockout stages.
The form of Kylian Mbappe has been central to France’s good start with his three goals – the joint-best in the tournament – while Olivier Giroud’s role as Les Bleus’ number nine looks his own with the Milan striker scoring two against the Aussies as he became the national team’s joint all-time top goalscorer.
Perhaps unwilling to risk introducing an unfit Benzema instead of a fully fit and firing member of the squad, the 103-cap France international has understandably made a tough call.