Deschamps rules out Benzema World Cup return, but Ballon d’Or winner can still receive medal
Didier Deschamps is not thinking about Karim Benzema’s fitness despite some reports the Real Madrid striker could return to the France squad during the World Cup.
Benzema withdrew from the France squad on the eve of the World Cup in Qatar.
There were worries over his fitness going into the tournament, and it was a blow to find out the holder of the Ballon d’Or would not be playing in football’s biggest tournament.
However, France actually seem to play better overall without the 34-year-old in their team.
Les Bleus won the World Cup in 2018 with Olivier Giroud leading the line and no Benzema in their squad.
In May last year it was announced that Benzema was named in France’s squad for the European Championships, ending a six-year hiatus from the international set-up.
While there were worries that Benzema would harm squad harmony, that didn’t seem to be the case, despite France being knocked out in the quarter-finals of the competition.
The Real Madrid striker was on top form at the tournament, but as world champions, were surprisingly beaten by Switzerland following a late capitulation at 3-1 up.
And now with Giroud once again leading the line at a World Cup, Deschamps’ side have secured qualification for the last 16 with a game to spare.
France beat Australia 4-1 and secured a late 2-1 victory against Denmark and are aiming to go three for three when they play Tunisia on Wednesday.
There have been some reports saying Benzema could return to the France set-up for the knockout stage of the World Cup.
However, Deschamps has shut down those rumours.
On the potential return of the Ballon d’Or winner, Deschamps said: “It’s not something that’s occupying my mind. I don’t know who’s saying what and how.
“You know the situation and the time that he needs to recover. I spoke with Benzema after he left us, but I don’t know where you’re going with your question.
“I have 24 players here and I’m thinking about them. I will let you speak, debate, and imagine, but I’m not going to comment on things that don’t concern our daily business.”
L’Equipe believe Benzema is a ‘long way’ off full fitness and will take a one-week holiday before returning to training with Real Madrid.
Deschamps is actually allowed to bring Benzema back into the squad if he wishes and if the player’s fitness allows it.
The France boss did not call up a replacement when the Madrid talisman’s tournament-ending thigh injury was confirmed.
A return is highly unlikely. However, Benzema will still receive a medal should France win the World Cup as he is still registered.
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