Karim Benzema was forced to withdraw from the 2022 World Cup due to a thigh injury, and Didier Deschamps has revealed that France would not call up a substitute for him.
Due to an injury sustained on Saturday afternoon, the Real Madrid striker’s first complete training session in Qatar was cut short.
He was unable to play for France against Australia in their initial matchup after having a scan, although he had planned to be back for their match against Denmark.
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But Benzema announced on Instagram that he has left the France World Cup team on Saturday.
Given that France had already lost N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, and Christopher Nkunku, the news was disappointing for Deschamps.
On Sunday morning, Deschamps was asked if he would bring in a replacement for Benzema. Reporters were informed he wouldn’t.
When a reporter asked the France manager if Karim Benzema will be replaced, Deschamps responded, “No.”
Following Benzema’s departure, the France national team released the following statement.
“Karim Benzema is compelled to forgo competing in the World Cup,” they declared. Karim’s anguish is shared by the entire staff, and they all wish him well in his recovery.
“I am incredibly sad for Karim Benzema who made this World Cup a huge ambition,” Deschamps continued.
“Despite this latest setback for the French team, I have complete faith in my guys,” said the coach. The enormous challenge that lies ahead of us will be met with everything we have.
Benzema, who was just named the Ballon d’Or winner, has missed most of this season for Real Madrid due to injuries.
The knee and hamstring issues that had caused him to practice separately from the team, along with Raphael Varane, who has also been a worry for their opening against Australia, did not recur with the thigh injury.
The Madrid star was doing a customized training regimen designed by French personnel in an effort to hasten his recovery from other issues.
He would have missed the entire group stage, the Round of 16 and the quarterfinals due to the three-week absence.
Even then, if France advanced that far, it would be extremely risky for him to be placed in a crucial semifinal or championship match.