France striker Karim Benzema will miss the entire World Cup after sustaining an injury while training ahead of France’s campaign in Qatar.
French officials confirmed the news after various reports earlier on Sunday morning, stating it’s a left quad injury for the 34-year-old.
An MRI scan has confirmed a rectus femoris tendon injury, leaving Benzema with a three-week recovery period.
Touché au quadriceps de la cuisse gauche, Karim @Benzema est contraint de renoncer à participer au Mondial.
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) November 19, 2022
Toute l’équipe partage la tristesse de Karim et lui souhaite un prompt rétablissement 💙#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/cxXFBpgFx8
Benzema, who in October won the Ballon d’Or as the world’s best, had only played 26 minutes of football in the past month.
The French will line up against Australia in the first game on Wednesday morning (AEDT), with Benzema's absence handing Graham Arnold’s side a huge boost.
But despite the injury, French coach Didier Deschamps maintains confidence in his side.
“I am extremely sad for Karim who made this World Cup a major goal. 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.
France has also copped injury blows in the withdrawals of striker Christopher Nkunku and centre back Presnel Kimpembe.
Denmark and Tunisia are the two other countries in Group D.