Real Madrid star Karim Benzema has recovered from a thigh injury and could fly back to Qatar to rejoin the France squad ahead of their World Cup final against Argentina on Sunday
FELIX KEITH FROM MIRROR
Karim Benzema could feature for France in the World Cup final against Argentina, despite missing the rest of the tournament through injury.
Benzema was ruled out of the World Cup after picking up a thigh injury in training in Qatar on the eve of the tournament. He flew back home to Madrid to begin work on his recovery and that appeared to be the end of his chances of playing in the tournament.
The 34-year-old’s muscle tear was given a three-week healing time and he left Doha believing he was going to be replaced in the squad….
“I’ve never given up in my life but tonight I have to think of the team, as I have always done,” he wrote on Instagram at the time. “So reason tells me to give my place to someone who can help our squad have a great World Cup.”
However, manager Didier Deschamps opted not to replace Benzema on the eve of France’s first game against Australia. Instead, he has worked with 25 players in Qatar, rather than 26, and has taken Les Bleus to the final following a 2-0 win over Morocco on Wednesday night.
Benzema remains listed on the official FIFA squad for the World Cup. After recovery sessions and a holiday, the Ballon d’Or winner is now back in full training with Real Madrid and, according to Mundo Deportivo, he could return to Qatar before the final.
Real have reportedly given Benzema permission to do so and the ball is now in Deschamps’ court. Asked by reporters of the possibility following the Morocco win, the France boss didn’t give an answer. “I’d prefer to move on to the next question,” he said.
