France does not call for a replacement for Benzema
Benzema was injured, missed training session on November 19 with the French team. The results of an MRI scan in Doha showed that he had re-injured the quadriceps muscle of his left leg. The French Football Federation (FFF) later confirmed the 34-year-old striker missed the 2022 World Cup, because he needed about 3 weeks for treatment.
"I have never given up in my life, but today, I have to think for the team, as I always do. So I decided to leave the team so someone else can help France make a World Cup. Great Cup," Benzema wrote in announcing his departure from France, and asked coach Didier Deschamps to summon another player to take his place.
However, today, November 20, when asked by a TeleFoot reporter about calling a replacement for Benzema, coach Deschamps replied: "No". Answering the question about the reason for doing so, the military leader born in 1968 continued to shock: "Simply because I decided to do so".
France will fight to defend the world championship with 25 players, one less than the maximum number of 26 allowed by FIFA.
"This is bad news. It makes us laugh. The team has lost Christopher and everyone is sad. Now it's time for Karim. In training, injuries can happen unlucky. It doesn't come right. any time," coach Deschamps added. "But I have a quality team. The players are always united on and off the pitch. I have a lot of confidence in my players. We will do everything we can in the opening match."
Earlier, coach Deschamps called in striker Randal Kolo Muani when Christopher Nkunku was injured during a training session in Qatar.
Losing Benzema is a great loss for France's attack, when this player is in high form. In the 2021-2022 season, he scored 44 goals in 46 matches, helping Real win La Liga and the Champions League, and personally won the Golden Ball for the first time.
Benzema just attended the 2014 World Cup, where France lost 0-1 to Germany in the quarterfinals. Six years later, he was always excluded from the team because of the scandal with four others blackmailing former teammate Mathieu Valbuena. From 2021, Benzema is called up again by Deschamps, attending the Euro and UEFA Nations League.
France will begin its journey to defend its World Cup title with a match against Australia on December 23.
Benzema is the first current Ballon d'Or holder to miss the World Cup in 44 years. The most recent case before that was Allan Simonsen in 1978, when his Denmark team failed to qualify.
