France striker Karim Benzema has now been officially ruled out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, MySportDab reports.
He has now been ruled out of the tournament due to an injury in training.
The Real Madrid player took part in his first full training session but it ended early due to the injury on Saturday.
He then completed a scan in Doha and it became clear that he would only miss their opening World Cup match against Australia on Tuesday.
However, things did not go as planned for the 34-year-old, and France have officially confirmed that he won’t play in Qatar.
OK Instagram, Benzema released a statement that he decided leaving would be the best decision so a replacement can join the team.
He wrote: ‘I have never given up in my entire life but tonight I just have to consider the team as I have always done so I must leave my place to someone who can help us have a good World Cup.’
This is another big setback for France who have already lost RB Leipzig striker Christopher Nkunku due to injury.
Key players such as Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante, Presnel Kimpembe and goalkeeper Mike Maignan are unavailable due to injury.
Speaking about the news, France manager Didier Deschamps said: ‘I’m sad for Karim, who had big plans for this World Cup.
‘Despite this new massive blow, I have full confidence in my group. We will do everything we can.’
The announcement means that the first and second ranked players for the 2022 Ballon d’Or will both miss the tournament in Qatar with injury.
Benzema has had a difficult season with injuries so far this season for Real Madrid.
More to follow….
