The Injury That Kept Karim Benzema Out of The 2022 FIFA World Cup

Karim Benzema has been a player in the form in the 2022 campaign. He helped his team to win the LaLiga title and the prestigious UEFA Champions League after beating Liverpool 1-0 in the final. He subsequently won the FIFA Ballon d’Or for his outstanding performance.

Sadly, Karim won’t take his in-form skills to the FIFA 2022 World Cup. Keep scrolling so you can learn more about his inclusion in the France team, his big blow injury, and the aftermath.

France Squad for The FIFA 2022 World Cup

Karim Benzema was among the 26 players listed by the French national football team to participate in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He didn’t participate in the 2018 world cup so he was eager to bring a significant contribution to the team.

Unfortunately on November 19, 2022, he withdrew from the French squad for the World Cup due to an injury. The injury to Benzema is the latest in a string of setbacks for the French team.

Presnel Kimpembe and Christopher Nkunku were both forced to leave the final team, while Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante had already been ruled out a few weeks earlier. The current squad that is set to participate in the tournament is as follows;

– Alphonse Areola (Gk)
– Hugo Lloris (Gk)
– Steve Mandanda (Gk)
– Wiliam Saliba (Df)
– Raphael Varane (Df)
– Ibrahima Konate (Df)
– Axel Disasi (Df)
– Benjamin Pavard (Df)
– Dayot Upamecano (Df)
– Lucas Hernandez (Df)
– Theo Hernandez (Df)
– Jules Kounde (Df)
– Eduardo Camavinga (Md)
– Matteo Guendouzi (Md)
– Adrien Rabiot (Md)
– Aurelien Tchouameni (Md)
– Jordan Veretout (Md)
– Youddouf Fofana (Md)
– Antoine Griezmann (St)
– Olivier Giroud (St)
– Ousmane Dembele (St)
– Kylian Mbappe (St)
– Kingsley Coman (St)
– Randal Kolo Muani (St)
– Marcus Thuram (St)

The Injury That Kept Karim Benzema Out of The 2022 FIFA World Cup

Karim Benzema’s thigh injury forced him to withdraw from the 2022 World Cup, giving the defending champions a big setback just before the competition. His three-week recovery period puts a stop to any prospects of playing in Qatar.

He went into the competition with hamstring and knee problems and had been training separately from the rest of the French squad. He had his first full training session on November 19, 2022, on a Saturday, and was forced to leave early due to some pain in his left thigh.

Karim Benzema’s Reaction

Karim reacted to the news that he would not be able to represent his country at the competition shortly after withdrawing from the team. He posted a tweet that read;

“In my life I have never given up, but tonight I have to think about the team as I always have done, so reason tells me to leave my place to someone who can help our group make a good World Cup. Thank you all for your messages of support!“

What Next For Didier Deschamps?

Didier Deschamps, the head coach of France, has confirmed that Benzema won’t be replaced. This means that he will go with a 25-man squad for the prestigious trophy. France will play their first game against Australia on November 22.

Deschamps was asked on Sunday by the French newspaper TeleFoot if he would replace Benzema in his team. He said, “No, this is a quality group. They work together in whatever they do, both on and off the field. I have confidence in them.”