Karim Benzema played in a 60-minute training game against Leganes at Valdebebas on thursday. The game was played behind closed doors.
However, it’s quite unlikely that the 2021 Ballon d’Or winner will join the France team in time for Sunday’s World Cup match against Argentina.
Having missed out on France’s 2018 triumph during his years in the international wilderness, Benzema was recalled ahead of Euro 2020 and this would have been his first World Cup since 2014.
However, injury on the eve of the tournament saw the 34-year-old leave Qatar before a ball had even kicked.
Although, seeing as coach Didier Deschamps never called up a replacement, which he was allowed to do as it fell before France’s first game, Benzema never officially withdrew.
That means that the veteran forward is still technically part of the squad now, even though he has been back in Madrid for almost a month.
Karim Benzema is AVAILABLE for selection against Argentina in the World Cup Final.
Imagine… 🤯🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/IGECD7Thlh
— Barstool Football (@StoolFootball) December 14, 2022
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Following the semi-final win over Morocco, it raised the possibility that he could make a sensational return for the final.
Deschamps refused to address the speculation but also didn’t firmly rule it out.
Marca has since reported that Benzema has been invited back to Qatar for the final by the French Football Federation, but as a guest in a non-playing capacity.
As a member of the squad, Benzema would still be entitled to a medal – either as a winner or runner-up – but it is unclear if he would accept one.
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