France striker Karim Benzema has been ruled out of the World Cup with a thigh injury suffered in training. Benzema, 34, won the 2022 Ballon d’Or – awarded to the world’s best player – after helping Real Madrid win the Champions League and La Liga. “I am very sad for Karim, who made this World Cup an important goal,” said coach Didier Deschamps. “In my life I never give up, but tonight I have to think about the team as I always do,” Benzema said. “So my reason tells me to leave my place to someone who can help our team make a great World Cup.” The French Football Federation said: “The whole team shares Karim’s grief and wishes him a speedy recovery.” He said an MRI confirmed the injury, which requires a “three-week recovery period”. France play Australia on November 22, Denmark on November 26 and Tunisia on November 30 in Group D. Deschamps, who must name Benzema’s replacement by Monday, has lost several key players to injury. Midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante were not included in the initial 26-man squad. Defender Presnel Kimpembe withdrew on Monday after failing to recover from a hamstring problem – he was replaced by Axel Disasi – and on Wednesday striker Christopher Nkunku was ruled out after limping out of training. Randal Kolo Muani was called up as a substitute. Defender Raphael Varane wants to be fit after missing Manchester United’s last five games. United striker Anthony Martial is an option to replace Benzema, who has been sidelined with a thigh problem since October and has played less than half an hour in Real’s last six games. Saturday was his first full training session since the World Cup squad was assembled last week. Deschamps said: “Despite this new setback, I have full confidence in my team. We will do everything to meet the huge challenge that awaits us.” Get your daily dose of FIFA World Cup reaction, discussion and analysis with World Cup Daily on BBC Sounds
