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Despite being sidelined for the rest of the competition due to injury, Karim Benzema might play for France in the World Cup championship match versus Argentina.
Karim Benzema, a star for Real Madrid, may take a flight back to Qatar to re-join the France team before their World Cup final match against Argentina on Sunday.
After suffering a thigh injury during a training session in Qatar on the day of the competition, Benzema was forced to withdraw from the World Cup.
His chances of competing in the event appeared to be over when he took a flight back to his home in Madrid to start working on his recovery.
The 34-year-old was told that his muscle tear would require three weeks to heal, and he left Doha expecting to be replaced on the team.
He missed the tournament due to injury, joining players like Paul Pogba, Lucas Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, N’Golo Kante, and Christopher Nkunku.
At the time, he posted on Instagram, “I’ve never given up in my life, but tonight I have to think of the team, like I have always done.
Therefore, logic dictates that I should cede my position to someone who can help our team have a successful World Cup.”
However, on the eve of France’s opening match against Australia, manager Didier Deschamps decided against replacing Benzema.
Instead of using 26, he worked with 25 players in Qatar, and after Les Bleus defeated Morocco 2-0 on Wednesday night, he led his team to the championship game.
Benzema is still listed on the World Cup roster put together by FIFA. The Ballon d’Or winner is back in full training with Real Madrid after some rest days and a vacation, and according to Mundo Deportivo, he might fly back to Qatar before the championship game.
Now that Benzema apparently has authority to do so from Real, Deschamps is in charge. After Morocco’s victory, reporters questioned the France manager about the prospect, but he remained silent.
Benzema was the top scorer for Les Bleus at the 2014 World Cup and has 37 goals in 97 appearances for France.
In Benzema’s absence, Olivier Giroud has led the French attack, scoring four goals in five games in Qatar. The 36-year-old former Arsenal striker now holds the record for most goals scored in his nation, surpassing Thierry Henry.
On Sunday, he’ll probably team up with Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele, and Kylian Mbappe once more.
