Ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final against Argentina, Didier Deschamps called queries about Karim Benzema’s probable comeback to the France team “awkward.” On Wednesday, France defeated Morocco 2-0 to advance to a tantalising matchup with Argentina.
There was a lot of discussion about Kylian Mbappe’s matchup with PSG teammate Lionel Messi in the final right immediately, but speculation quickly started to spread about Karim Benzema making an unexpected comeback.
The Real Madrid attacker injured his thigh during France’s first training session in Qatar, and he was subsequently ruled out of the World Cup. The Real Madrid striker was not replaced by Deschamps in the team, and it was speculated that he may be ready for selection if he was assessed to be in good enough shape.
After France’s semi-final victory against Morocco, Deschamps refused to rule out what would be Benzema’s remarkable comeback in his post-match news conference. The head of France was quizzed: “Benzema may return to Qatar, according to a recent report. Is it true, first of all? And is there any chance you might call on him for a few minutes if necessary?”
Deschamps exhibited frustration before grinning and responding: “Really, I don’t want to respond to that query. The next query. My apologies.” In an Instagram post, Benzema appeared to put the brakes on the notion of a comeback by writing in French, “Not interested.”
Additionally, Deschamps ruled out a comeback for the Ballon d’Or winner at a news conference before Sunday’s World Cup final because queries about Benzema were difficult, according to Deschamps.
I have guys who have sustained injuries in the past, he remarked. Among them is Karim. Lucas Hernandez is the final person hurt. I now have 24 players to oversee. It’s uncomfortable to ask the question in relation to (with regard to) these players, to put it mildly, if not more. There is the group.
“I don’t give a damn if players, former players, or injured players invite me. I have no idea who will attend. We had a group at the beginning, and based on what transpired… Three of us lost, Nkunku being the first. They took part in the adventure’s commencement.
Tomorrow, they will be 24 key players for France. N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, and Presnel Kimbempe, three injured France players, are anticipated to board Emmanuel Macron’s trip to Doha to see the World Cup final.
RB Leipzig has given Christopher Nkunku permission to attend the championship game against Argentina, and he may go with them. Uncertainty surrounds whether Benzema will travel to assist the national team as well.