Defending world champions France have been handed a major injury concern on the eve of the World Cup with Karim Benzema now reportedly out of the competition.
The Real Madrid striker has enjoyed a wonderful year throughout 2022 having helped the Spanish club to the LaLiga and Champions League titles. His standout performances were also good enough to see the Frenchman claim the first Ballon d'Or of his career.
Benzema was then awarded a place in the France squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar with Didier Deschamps ' men attempting to become the first nation to successfully defend the title since Brazil in 1962.
With just one day to go until the tournament gets underway, the 34-year-old appears to be ruled out. According to numerous reports, Benzema left Les Bleus' most recent training session early.
He was previously training separately from the rest of the squad in an effort to overcome separate hamstring and knee problems. Speaking at the time, Benzema said: "I'm fine. I had little pain but no tear or big injury. I could play, but not 100 per cent. I worked well in the gym - stretched out; it's fine."
He was fit enough to be reintroduced into the squad on Friday but had to withdraw early. Scans were completed on Saturday evening at the Aspetar clinic with France's Head Doctor.
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If Benzema's reaction to his exit was anything to go by, it appears as though he could be out for an extended period as he looked sombre as he left the clinic and climbed into a car.
It remains to be seen how serious the injury is but it is expected that Benzema will miss his nation's Group D opener against Australia on Tuesday. Should the 97-capped forward's problem be more serious than first feared, manager Deschamps has until Monday to call up a replacement in what will be the latest in a long line of injury issues afflicting the France squad.
Midfield duo Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante were forced to be left behind with issues, whilst RB Leipzig sensation Christopher Nkunku was sent home after suffering a serious injury in training.
Previously, Deschamps has been clear in his opinion that he would not allow players to remain should they be injured. Speaking last month, he said: "It's absolutely clear.
"I've never embarked on a big competition with an injured player, even if there are some who can come up with examples from 2018 with our full-backs who were Benjamin Mendy and Djibril Sidibe.
"They were healed. After that, it's about athletic condition. And between the time I made the list and what should have happened, that didn't happen… there you go.
"But leaving for a big competition with players who are not ready, already it occupies too much attention, and for those who have to play, it also monopolises the medical staff. I consider that we must leave with valid and capable players."
