The French federation have ruled out their star striker and reigning Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema from the World Cup squad after he suffered an injury during a training, know his injury update today and return date
The incident took place in Saturday in Doha, where Benzema injured his left thigh during a training session.
Karim Benzema Injury Update Today, Status, Return Date And Replacement In France Squad
Karim Benzema will miss the World Cup after picking up a thigh injury in training, per multiple sources 💔 pic.twitter.com/3E2NpRQM7A
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 19, 2022
Following Benzema’s withdrawal from the team, the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be the first since 1978 that does not feature the reigning Ballon d’Or winner.
Karim Benzema Ruled Out After Injury
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner was taking part in a training session with his French side when the injury occurred. While making a sprint towards the end of the training session, Benzema felt a strong pain in his thigh.
The medical officials put him under an MRI, which confirmed that Benzema suffered a muscle tear. According to the report, Benzema will need at the least three weeks of recovery time.
France, who are set to begin their World Cup title defence by taking on Australia on Tuesday will now have to look at other options. As per FIFA rules, Deschamps has just until 24 hours before their first game to name a replacement but he has decided to go against it.
Speaking on the injury and withdrawal, France head coach Didier Deschamps was quoted making a statement:
“I am extremely sad for Karim, who had made this World Cup a major objective. Despite this new blow for the French team, I have full confidence in my group. We will do everything to meet the huge challenge that awaits us.
Benzema Speaks
Following the withdrawal, Benzema also addressed his fans in an Instagram post. Benzema stated:
“I’ve never given up in my life but tonight I have to think of the team, as I have always done. So reason tells me to give my place to someone who can help our squad have a great World Cup. Thanks for all your messages of support.
Injury-Stricken France
France are currently in a pickle as they prepare to defend their World Cup title in Qatar. The defending champions are currently injury-stricken, as Deschamps has had to make several adjustments and changes.
Even before he could name his world cup squad, Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante were already ruled out from injury. The players played a key role in midfield when Les Bleus won the World Cup in Russia back in 2018.
Moreover, Benzema isn’t the only player ruled out after Deschamps named France’s world cup squad. The head coach had to also rule out RB Leipzig striker Christopher Nkunku and PSG centre back Presnel Kimpembe.
Now France are without their star striker Karim Benzema, who was France’s top scorer at the 2014 World Cup. Although he did not play in their 2018 World Cup triumph because of an ongoing investigation against him, he featured in the 2020 Euros where he was France’s top scorer again with four goals.
Benzema’s Injury Problems
The 34-year-old is currently coming off his career-best season with Real Madrid in the last campaign. Benzema was the 2022/21 season’s top scorer for LaLiga with 27 goals and the Champions League with 15 goals. The French striker’s performance helped his side win both the major trophies.
Despite his quality performances, Benzema suffered experienced several injuries during the first part of the season. He has played only 26 minutes of football in the past month due to muscular fatigue. In fact, Saturday was the first time Benzema joined a training session with the France squad.
France head coach Deschamps was initially optimistic that Benzema could recover in time while picking him in the squad. However his injury blow on Saturday has now ruled him out of football’s biggest tournament.