World Cup: Karim Benzema leaves France training injured as worries mount ahead of Australia opener
- Seb Sternik
- 19 November 2022
There are growing injury concerns over France striker Karim Benzema who reportedly pulled out of Saturday’s training session – just days before their World Cup opener against Australia.
Didier Deschamps' side arrived in Qatar as the defending champions and they will be looking to kick off their latest campaign in style on Tuesday.
However, Les Bleus could be without star striker Benzema who, according to French outlet RMC Sport, left Saturday's collective training session with an injury.
The Ballon d'Or winner is said to have looked comfortable in the opening quarter-of-an-hour, but struggled as the intensity of the session ramped up.
Benzema has only played at one World Cup (in 2014), and his hopes of competing in Qatar look slim.
Deschamps is already without Christopher Nkunku who left camp and was replaced by Randal Kolo Muani.
Benzema has made just 12 appearances for Real Madrid as his injury worries have dragged on throughout the new season.
Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti said the club's medical team had given Benzema the all-clear before linking up with the national side.
Another French outlet, L'Equipe, added: "The nature of his injury and its severity are not yet known, but his injury is of a muscular nature, which leaves a big doubt about the rest of his competition."
After kicking off their tournament against Australia on Tuesday, France will turn their attention to an all-European clash with Denmark next weekend.
Les Bleus will close out their group with a clash against Tunisia on Wednesday, November 30.
Should France win the group, they will progress to the knockout stages and will take on the runner-up of Group C. That could be either Argentina, Poland, Mexico or Saudi Arabia.
