2022 World Cup: Benzema emerges major doubt for France

On the eve of the 2022 World Cup, France’s Karim Benzema has surfaced as an injury worry.

On Saturday, the Real Madrid attacker was unable to complete a training session.

The player had a fantastic year in 2022, helping the Spanish team win the LaLiga and Champions League titles.

His spectacular efforts were also strong enough for the Frenchman to win his first Ballon d’Or.

Benzema was then awarded a place in the France squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar with Didier Deschamps ‘ men attempting to become the first nation to successfully defend the title since Brazil in 1962.

With just one day to go until the tournament gets underway, the 34-year-old appears to be a major doubt. According to numerous reports, Benzema left Les Bleus’ most recent training session early.

He was previously training separately from the rest of the squad in an effort to overcome separate hamstring and knee problems. Speaking at the time, Benzema said: “I’m fine. I had little pain but no tear or big injury, I could play, but not 100 per cent. I worked well in the gym – stretched out; it’s fine.”

Early withdrawal

He was fit enough to be reintroduced into the squad on Friday but had to withdraw early. It is suggested that the latest problem is a new thigh injury with scans expected to be completed over the coming days.

It remains to be seen how serious the injury is but it is expected that Benzema will miss his nation’s Group D opener against Australia on Tuesday. Should the 97-capped forward’s problem be more serious than first feared, manager Deschamps has until Monday to call up a replacement in what will be the latest in a long line of injury issues afflicting the France squad.

Midfield duo Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante were forced to be left behind with issues, whilst RB Leipzig sensation Christopher Nkunku was sent home after suffering a serious injury in training.