French striker Karim Benzema picks up injury, out of World Cup

With hours left to kickoff for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, France’s World Cup dreams have taken another blow with star striker Karim Benzema picking up an injury during training.

“After hurting the quadriceps on his left thigh the Real Madrid striker is forced to give up on taking part in the World Cup,” the French football federation (FFF) said.

“Karim Benzema is out of the World Cup.”

De ma vie je n’ai jamais abandonné mais ce soir il faut que je pense à l’équipe comme je l’ai toujours fait alors la raison me dit de laisser ma place à quelqu’un qui pourra aider notre groupe à faire une belle Coupe du Monde. Merci pour tous vos messages de soutien 🙌🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/SBalX0juAH

— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) November 19, 2022

FFF said an MRI scan confirmed a thigh muscle injury “which will require a three-week recovery period”.

Benzema won the 2022 Ballon d’Or after helping Real Madrid win the Champions League and La Liga.

They are already without midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante because of injuries. Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is trying to be fit to play having missed his past five club matches.

“The whole team shares Karim’s sadness and wishes him a speedy recovery,” the French footballing body added.