The suspense lasted all Saturday evening, after the exit of Karim Benzema during the collective session this Saturday, in Doha.
The verdict fell at 11:27 p.m., with the press release from the FFF: hit in the quadriceps of the left thigh, the Real and Blues striker is forfeited for the World Cup.
"I am extremely sad for Karim, who had made this World Cup a major objective
," laments Didier Deschamps, who had recalled Benzema to everyone's surprise just before the Euro after having dismissed him for several years.
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A blow, one more for the Blues after the withdrawals of N'Golo Kanté, Paul Pogba, Mike Maignan, Presnel Kimpembe and Christopher Nkunku, not to mention the uncertainty hanging over the state of form of Raphaël Varane.
The coach nevertheless wants to be positive.
“
Despite this new blow for the French team, I have full confidence in my group.
We will do everything to meet the huge challenge that awaits us
,” he said.
Until further notice at 25, the Blues will face Australia on Tuesday (8 p.m.) for their first match at the World Cup.
Present in 2014 but not in 2018, Benzema, 34, has undoubtedly said goodbye to his chances of competing in the World Cup again.
The duration of his unavailability is not known.
