The French federation has announced that France striker Karim Benzema will not participate in the World Cup after injuring his left thigh while practicing on Saturday in Doha.
Towards the end of the training session, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner was sprinting when he felt a sharp pain in his thigh.
After an MRI, it was confirmed that Benzema had torn a muscle, which would require three weeks to recover from.
This will be the third consecutive World Cup that Benzema will miss, confirmed by the French national team. He has scored 37 goals all in for the national team across 97 appearances.
Benzema addressed his withdrawal in an Instagram post saying, “I’ve never given up in my life but tonight I have to think of the team, as I have always done,” he said. “So reason tells me to give my place to someone who can help our squad have a great World Cup. Thanks for all your messages of support.”
