France’s hopes of successfully defending the World Cup were dealt a huge blow late on Saturday as Ballon d’Or winner, Karim Benzema, was ruled out of the tournament in Qatar with an injured left thigh.
The 34-year-old Real Madrid striker tore a muscle in his left thigh during a training session ahead of the football showpiece slated to start on Sunday in Doha, Qatar.
He was forced to withdraw from the session at the home stadium of Qatari champions Al Sadd with the injury and was taken for tests.
The French Football Federation later said in a statement that the injury “will require a recovery period of three weeks,” ruling out any prospect of him being fully fit for the tournament which finishes on December 18.
“Karim Benzema is out of the World Cup,” the FFF statement reads.
READ ALSO:
- PDP Crisis: Ayu Can’t Lead Rivers Campaign; Says Wike
- Man Kills Mother-in-law, 1 Other After Raping Wife’s Sister
- UK Encouraging Return of Nigerian Artefacts – High Commissioner
“After hurting the quadriceps of the left thigh, the Real Madrid striker is forced to give up participating in the World Cup.
“Karim Benzema was forced to cut short the collective training session after feeling pain in the quadriceps of his left thigh.
“He went for an MRI at a hospital in Doha, which unfortunately confirmed a femoral rectus injury, which will require a three-week recovery period.
“After having exchanged with Dr Franck Le Gall then the Real Madrid striker, Didier Deschamps confirmed Karim Benzema’s departure from the World Cup.”
Benzema, in an emotional message posted on his Instagram page, said he won’t be part of the France side that will defend their World Cup title.
“In my life I never give up but tonight I have to think about the team like always do so the reason tells me to leave my place to someone who can help our team to make a great world cup. Thank you for all your messages of support #GoBlues,” Benzema wrote.
France coach, Didier Deschamps, said he’s sad for Benzema as he will be missing the tournament
“I am extremely sad for Karim, for whom this World Cup was a major objective,” he said
“Despite this new blow for the France team I have full faith in my squad. We will do all we can to rise to the huge challenge that awaits
us.”
The 36-year-old Olivier Giroud, is expected to benefit from Benzema’s absence by coming into the France attack alongside Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann.
However, under FIFA rules Deschamps can still call up a replacement for an injured player until Monday, on the eve of their first game.
France begin their defence of the trophy on Tuesday, when they take on Australia in Al Wakrah.
They will also play Denmark and Tunisia in Group D as they aim to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup.