Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema will not take part in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
QATAR 2022:
France confirms Karim Benzema will miss World Cup due to injury
'In my life, I never give up - Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema not going to World Cup.
France confirms Karim Benzema will miss World Cup due to injury
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On the eve of the tournament, Benzema's absence was confirmed following an injury in training.
The 2022 Ballon d'Or award winner suffered a quadricep injury which will require a three-week recovery period ending his World Cup hopes.
France on Benzema injury
The French national team confirmed the injury to Benzema ruling him out of the tournament.
The message by the team said, "Affected to the quadriceps of the left thigh, @karimbenzema is forced to forfeit participation in the World Cup. The whole team shares Karim's sadness and wishes him a speedy recovery."
Benzema on missing World Cup
Benzema also gave an assessment of his situation on a personal level after missing the last edition where France were champions.
He said, "In my life, I never give up but tonight I have to think about the team like I always do so the reason tells me to leave my place to someone who can help our team to make a great world cup.
"Thank you for all your messages of support 🙌🏼❤️#GoBlues
Karim Benzema now misses the World Cup for the second time in a row f
AFP
France coach Didier Deschamps added, "I am extremely sad for Karim who had made this World Cup a major objective.
"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."
Benzema was the top scorer for France in 2014 but missed the 2018 edition where they were crowned champions.
The 24-year-old striker now misses the World Cup for the second time in a row following his exclusion from the team for years.
Benzema joins other France absentees due to injury such as Paul Pogba, Ngolo Kante and Christopher Nkunku
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