• World Cup 2022

Breaking: Karim Benzema to miss World Cup with thigh injury

Karim Benzema
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The Real Madrid star won’t be able to play for Les Bleus in the World Cup.

Karim Benzema will miss the World Cup after picking up a thigh injury in training.

The Frenchman has played only 30 minutes of football since Real Madrid’s win over Elche on October 19.

France hoped to have their star striker back for the World Cup, including him in their squad list for the tournament.

Benzema returned to team training on Saturday but had to stop after feeling pain in his thigh.

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Initial reports claimed the Real Madrid star might return to action by the time France met Denmark in their second group stage.

But it has now been confirmed that Benzema will have to leave France’s camp as he wouldn’t be able to recover in time.

“Karim Benzema is forced to give up participating in the World Cup after picking up a knock in the quadriceps of his left thigh,” a statement from the French Football Federation reads.

“The whole team shares Karim’s sadness and wishes him a speedy recovery.”

Benzema’s absence will be a significant blow to France’s hopes of defending their World Cup title. 

Les Bleus will kick off their campaign with a match against Australia on Tuesday before facing Denmark and Tunisia in their next group-stage games.

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