Dream shattered as Benzema exit World Cup due to last minute injury
France and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering an injury to his left thigh during training on Saturday in Doha.
The French federation confirmed the development saying “After undergoing an MRI, it was confirmed that Benzema had suffered a muscle tear that would need three weeks of recovery time”.
The 2022 World Cup will now be the first since 1978 not to feature the reigning Ballon d’Or winner.
Reacting, an ‘unhappy’ 2022 Ballon D’or winner on his Instagram said it was expedient he makes way for another person in the squad.
“I’ve never given up in my life but tonight I have to think of the team, as I have always done,” he said. “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.
France begin the defence of the World Cup title they won in 2018 when taking on Australia on Tuesday. According to FIFA rules, they will have until 24 hours before their first game to name a replacement to their squad.
Benzema, who missed out of the victorious 2018 World Cup campaign for France had only been reinvited back to the squad after he was exiled due to his alleged role in a sex-tape scandal with then-France teammate Mathieu Valbuena.
