by Karim Benzema involvement with France at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is completed after real Madrid the striker picked up the injury in his first full training session with the defending champions the team announced.
The 34-year-old Ballon d’Or defending champion had to pull out of Saturday’s training early, which immediately sparked concern among Didier Deschamps’ technical staff.
Tests at ASPETAR’s facilities in Doha showed Benzema had suffered a left thigh injury significant enough to rule him out of the French campaign this winter. CBS Sports understands early indications suggest he will be out for four to six weeks, with his club team Real Madrid having to carry out their own tests to confirm the severity of the injury.
Benzema has played just 27 minutes over the past month and recently suffered knee and hamstring problems before this latest setback which was suffered without physical contact with anyone else.
Before the opening game of France vs. Australia at the Al Janoub stadium on Tuesday, Deschamps has until Monday to call a replacement – 24 hours before the Blues’ first game and the deadline.
Benzema and defender Raphael Varane were training separately from the congregation of France in Clairefontaine and this was the duo’s first session with their teammates.
Christophe Nkunku was already dramatically ruled out by injury in training before leaving France and was replaced by Randal Kolo Muani while Marcus Thuram was also added to the traveling group after the initial announcement.
Presnel Kimpembe was also ruled out with injury and replaced by Axel Diasi as Paul PogbaN’Golo Kante, and Mike Maignan were already ruled out before Deschamps picked his team.
Benzema has five La Liga goals to his name so far this season for Real who he helped win the UEFA Champions League last campaign.
