KARIM BENZEMA is OUT of the World Cup after tearing his left quad in a training session on Saturday.
The 34-year-old France striker, who won the Ballon d’Or earlier this year, was due to kick off his World Cup campaign against Australia on Tuesday.
But now he has suffered the heartbreaking news that he will not be able to play any part in this year’s tournament.
An official France statement read: “Struck in the quadriceps of his left thigh, the Real Madrid striker is forced to give up participating in the World Cup.
“Karim Benzema was forced to interrupt group training after feeling some discomfort in the quadriceps of his left thigh.
“An MRI was performed at a Doha hospital, which unfortunately confirmed a rectus femoris injury, which will require a three-week recovery period.
“After having exchanged with Dr. Franck Le Gall about the Real Madrid striker, Didier Deschamps confirmed the loss of Karim Benzema for the World Cup.”
Deschamps said: “I am extremely sad for Karim, who made this World Cup an important goal.
“Despite this new blow to the French team, I have full confidence in my group. We will do our best to meet the immense challenge that awaits us.”
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Confirming his withdrawal, Benzema stated: “In my life I have never given up, but tonight I have to think about the team as I have always done.
“So reason tells me to leave my place to someone who can help our squad have a good World Cup.
“Thank you for all your messages of support.”
Benzema is the latest in a long line of injured absentees for Didier Deschamps after Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante, Presnel Kimpembe and Mike Maignan were all ruled out of selection.
Raphael Varane and Jules Kounde have been included in the squad, but remain doubts as they recover from their respective injuries.
Benzema played just 26 minutes of football for Real Madrid in November, leading both club and country to raise concerns.
And his unavailability means Deschamps will now almost certainly turn to AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud.
Giroud, 36, is just two goals behind Thierry Henry’s French national team record of 51 – a tally the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea man will have his sights set on in Qatar.
He led the line for France at the 2018 World Cup and played a major role in them lifting the trophy for a second time.
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Benzema then returned to the national team for the Euros after six years away from the France squad.
His hiatus from international football came following a blackmail case involving former teammate Mathieu Valbuena and a sex tape.
He replaced Giroud for the Euros, but France were knocked out in the last 16 by Switzerland.
Benzema scored 44 goals in 46 games for Real Madrid last season, inspiring Carlo Ancelotti’s side to a LaLiga-Champions League double.
And that incredible campaign was capped off by him claiming the Ballon d’Or in October ahead of Sadio Mane and Kevin de Bruyne.
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After France’s opening game against Australia, they will also face Denmark and Tunisia in Group D.
Deschamps men are looking to end a run of three successive World Cup holders exiting in the group stage of the following tournament – Italy (2010), Spain (2014), Germany (2018).
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
