If France is going to be the first team to repeat as men’s World Cup champion since 1962, it will essentially do so with one hand tied behind its back.
Already without key players Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kanté, Christopher Nkunku, Presnel Kimpembe due to injuries, and with Raphaël Varane in a race against time to get fit, Les Bleus suffered their biggest blow yet on Saturday.
Karim Benzema, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, will miss the World Cup with a thigh muscle injury, the French federation announced.
Benzema suffered the injury during training and was ruled out for three weeks.
“I am extremely sad for Karim who made this World Cup a major goal,” France coach Didier Deschamps said. “Despite this new blow for the French team, I have full confidence in my group. We will do everything to meet the huge challenge that awaits us.”
At age 34, the Real Madrid striker may have missed his final chance to play in a World Cup, having played in just the 2014 World Cup in his career.
“In my life I never give up but tonight I have to think about the team like I always do,” Benzema said on Instagram. “So 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.”
France will kick off the World Cup on Tuesday against Australia, before also facing Denmark and Tunisia.
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