WE’LL KARI ON WITHOUT BEN
Deschamps rules out last-gasp recall for Real Madrid superstar
FRANCE boss Didier Deschamps has ruled out a World Cup return for crocked star Karim Benzema.
The Ballon d’Or winner was devastated after being left out of TUNISIA v FRANCE
Qatar 2022 with a thigh problem. EduAcantidontChitey3S4ta-dyiuema,r-GoroldupsDt,r3ikpmer, BjeBtCt1ed to the Indian Ocean island of La Reunion for rest and relaxation, amid speculation he could be recalled to the France squad.
Under FIFA rules, players included in initial squads – but out through injury – can still be called up once fit again, so long as they have not been replaced.
But, ahead of his side’s final group game against Tunisia today, Deschamps appeared to pour cold water on the chances of a return for the Real Madrid superstar.
He said: “It’s not something I’m thinking about now. I spoke to Benzema after he left the training camp. The thought hasn’t crossed my mind.”
Benzema is expected to return to Madrid this week to join his teammates in a training camp prior to resuming the La Liga season.
He won the Champions League and Ballon d’Or in the last six months and was desperate to round off 2022 with the chance to land what would have been a second World Cup triumph.
But Deschamps would rather focus on the players he has available, hailing the impact of Antoine Griezmann. France were the first team to book their place in the knockout stage after last weekend’s 2-1 win over Denmark and Deschamps believes Griezmann has been the star of the show. Deschamps said: “He’s in good form and feeling strong mentally. He knows he can influence the game because of his technical ability and capacity to put effort in. “He’s a very intelligent payer. He helps the team to be wellbalanced.
“We are going through to the next round, so we don’t need to go for the victory.
“But this is a World Cup game, so we want to get the best result – and yes, there will be changes.”