Didier Deschamps has decided not to replace Karim Benzema in the France World Cup team.
The Ballon d’Or winner was ruled out of the tournament on the eve of his start due to a thigh injury.
It was the latest in a series of blows for the defending champions.
Christopher Nkunku was ruled out after picking up an injury in training just before leaving for Qatar, while N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba are also among the missing stars.
L’Equipe have reported that Manchester United’s Anthony Martial, alongside Wissam Ben Yedder and Moussa Diaby, are among the candidates to replace Benzema.
However, Deschamps said he won’t replace the Real Madrid striker.
Speaking in an interview with TelefootDeschamps simply replied ‘No’ when asked if he would call a replacement.
He added: “Because I just decided.
“It’s never fun, it doesn’t make you smile. We had already lost Christopher and everyone was very sad. It’s Karim. But we have a goal and the group knows very well what awaits us with a match on Tuesday.
“Everything was under control, he was going a little further as was the case with [Raphael] Varane”, which Deschamps has confirmed will be available for his opener with Australia.
“In training, injury can unfortunately happen. It’s never the right time.”
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