Karim Benzema has emerged an injury doubt for France on the eve of the 2022 World Cup.
The Real Madrid striker was unable to finish a training session on Saturday.
The player has enjoyed a wonderful year throughout 2022 having helped the Spanish club to the LaLiga and Champions League titles.
His standout performances were also good enough to see the Frenchman claim the first Ballon d’Or of his career.
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.
