Karim Benzema has reportedly rejected France president Emmanuel Macron’s invitation to join his private delegation for Sunday’s World Cup final against Argentina.
Benzema had been awarded a place in the France squad for the tournament as Didier Deschamps' side aimed to become the first nation to successfully defend the title since Brazil in 1962. Les Blues were expecting the Ballon d'Or winner to play a leading role at the World Cup.
However, the striker was subsequently ruled out of the tournament with a thigh injury and even though he could have returned to the set-up during the competition having regained fitness and due to being named in the initial squad, that did not materialise.
Benzema’s spot in the side has been taken by Olivier Giroud, who has become the all-time leading goalscorer for the French national team and who has notched four goals in the tournament. The AC Milan striker has led the line with Kylian Mbappe playing to the left and Ousmane Dembele on the right.
A report in Spanish outlet Marca claims that Real Madrid striker Benzema has rejected an invitation from France president Macron to board his private jet to Doha for the final. Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante and Christopher Nkunku – another trio of players ruled out through injury – are set to travel to Qatar, but Benzema will stay at home. Neither Lucas Hernandez nor Presnel Kimpembe, also out injuried, will travel.
After beating Morocco in Wednesday’s semi-final, France boss Didier Deschamps was asked at his post-match press conference: "There's a report today that Benzema could come back to Qatar. First of all, is it true? And is there any possibility that you could use him for a few minutes if you needed him?"
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The former midfielder appeared to be frustrated with the question, before smiling and responding: "I don't really want to answer that question. Next question. I do apologise." Benzema then posted on Instagram, saying in French: "Not interested".
Deschamps subsequently said on Saturday of Benzema, as he looks ahead to Sunday’s final: "I have players who have been injured before. Karim is one of them. The last to be injured is Lucas Hernandez. Since then, I have 24 players to manage. Asking the question vis-a-vis (with regard to) these players, it's awkward to say the least, if not a little more. The group is there.
"I don't care about invitations from players, former players or injured players. I don't know who will be there. We had a group at the start and who, from what happened... We lost three, with Nkunku at the beginning. They were part of the beginning of the adventure. They will be 24 important players for France tomorrow."
