Karim Benzema, a senior striker who tore a muscle in his left thigh on Saturday, has been forced to withdraw from the World Cup. France’s national team coach Didier Deschamps has conveyed his sorrow.
Didier Deschamps, France’s Coach, Solidifies ‘No Replacement’ for Injured Karim Benzema in Team
According to Xinhua, the 34-year-old Ballon D’Or winner, who was not a member of the French team that won the 2018 World Cup in Russia, left for Madrid on Sunday morning after a scan revealed the full extent of his injury. This means that he is no longer certain to compete in the championships.
Deschamps attempted to stay cheerful as he remarked, “I am terribly unhappy for Karim who had made this World Cup a huge ambition.”
“I am completely confident in my team, despite this latest setback for the French team. To tackle the enormous task that lies ahead of us, we will stop at nothing, he declared.
Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante are both out due to injuries, and France has been severely hampered by them in the lead-up to Qatar. Pogba is still recovering from a knee procedure, and Kante is also dealing with a hamstring problem.
Additionally, Raphael Varane is remains questionable for Tuesday’s match against Australia. Forward Christopher Nkunku was hurt last Tuesday and was replaced by Kolo Muani. Presnel Kimpembe withdrew on Monday after failing to recover from a hamstring issue.
Benzema said on Instagram: “I have never given up, but today, like I have 0 always done, I have to think about the team, therefore reason tells me to surrender my spot t0.. 90o someone who can help our team have a successful World Cup.”
Deschamps told the television program Telefoot that he didn’t need to call up a replacement for Benzema and that he won’t do so. “This is a top-notch team; I have faith in all they do, both on and off the field. They stand as one.”