Paul Pogba, N’golo Kante, Christopher Nkunku, and Ballon d’Or Winner Karim Benzema are all names you would expect to feature at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Unfortunately, none of them will.
The 2018 World Cup champions, France, have been hit by a huge setback- the injury to Karim Benzema, the most recent Ballon dOr winner.
Benzema, on Instagram, said he had to ‘think about the team’ so that he could free up a spot on the squad representing France in the Gulf state of Qatar.
A statement by equipdefrance on Instagram reads, “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”
France Head Coach Didier Deschamps noted his disappointment, especially with the fact in mind that he restored Benzema’s international career, “I am extremely sad for Karim who made this World Cup a major goal. Despite this new setback, I have full confidence in my group. We will do everything to meet the immense challenge that awaits us.”
Didier Deschamps has until Monday to call up a replacement. L’Equipe reports that Manchester United striker Antony Martial is one of three frontrunners to replace Karim Benzema.
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AS Monaco captain Wissam Ben Yedder and Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby are the two other options. Wissam Ben Yedder, the 32-year-old has won 19 caps for his country and has scored 10 goals in 21 appearances for his side this season.
Moussa Diaby has eight goals this season for the German side.
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