Karim Benzema 'out of the World Cup' after picking up injury in training

Karim Benzema is reportedly out of the World Cup after suffering an injury in training

doubt.

The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner left Saturday night's training session, with French staff 'very concerned' with the severity of the injury.

It then emerged that Benzema had suffered a quadriceps tear and after undergoing tests, Le Parisien say the striker received the horrible news that he will play no part in the tournament.

🚨| Karim Benzema ruled out of the World Cup. (LP)

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) November 19, 2022

Karim Benzema leaves the Aspetar clinic with France’s Head Doctor - looking fairly sombre. (🎥@Tanziloic) pic.twitter.com/EtF2IEtQ5b

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) November 19, 2022

France kick off their World Cup campaign on Tuesday against Australia, hoping to go all the way and become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to retain the trophy.

Karim Benzema has suffered a problem in today’s training session with France, as advanced by RMC Sport. More tests will follow. 🚨🇫🇷 #WorldCup2022

France staff will be on it to understand how to proceed with Karim’s problem. pic.twitter.com/kQAhmYflAw

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 19, 2022

Benzema had a world class 2021/22 season, bagging 44 goals and 15 assists as well as winning a League and Champions League double, scoring 15 in the latter. This season, he has been suffering with knee and hamstring issues, being limited to only seven league appearances.

The 34-year-old was put on a tailored training programme by the national team in the build up to the tournament, in the hopes it would help with his injury struggles.

He was meant to return to full team training today but his failure to complete the session puts his contention for the opener at least, in doubt.

It means that it is a chance for one of Olivier Giroud or Randal Kolo Muani to step to the fore and stake their claim for a place in the starting XI in Benzema's absence.

Since returning to the international setup in 2021 after a few years out due to some off-pitch issues, Benzema has scored 10 goals in 16 appearances for Les Bleus, becoming a key figure.

France are among the favourites to win the tournament along with Brazil and Argentina, but Benzema's injury is a huge dent to their chances of retaining their crown in Qatar.