Bad news for world champions – France has to do without world footballer Benzema at the World Cup – Sport

As the French association announced late Saturday evening, striker Karim Benzema is injured for the World Cup.

Next blow to the neck for the reigning world champion: After numerous injury-related absences at the World Cup, France also have to do without their top striker Karim Benzema. This was announced by the national association FFF late on Saturday evening.

Left thigh is on strike

Benzema suffered an injury to his left thigh that required a “three-week recovery”. “I’ve never given up in my life, but I have to think of the team like I always have,” Benzema wrote on Instagram. “Reason tells me that I have to make room for someone who can help our team play a good World Cup.”

Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or winner this year returned to training in Doha after suffering a thigh injury that has plagued him since October, but had to pull out of the session due to another muscle injury. Research confirmed that not only would the goalscorer not stand a chance in Tuesday’s opening group game against Australia, but he will miss the entire tournament.

Coach Didier Deschamps can now nominate a replacement up to 24 hours before the first game. “I’m very sorry for Karim, for whom this World Cup was an important goal,” said Deschamps. Despite the setback, he has “great confidence” in his team: “We will do everything we can to master the challenge that lies ahead.”

Celebrities absent from “Les Bleus”

France is already unlucky, and in addition to Benzema, they also have to do without Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig), Presnel Kimpembe (PSG), Paul Pogba (Juventus Turin) and N’Golo Kanté (Chelsea) due to injury.

Up front, there are top-class players available in Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud. Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani has already been called up.

France’s other opponents in Group D are Denmark (26/11) and Tunisia (30/11).