Karim Benzema failed to complete the French team’s training session on Saturday, just three days before the reigning world champions face Australia in Qatar 2022.
Real Madrid forward Benzema, 34, has been battling an unexplained injury in recent weeks.
The veteran striker has been struggling with knee and hamstring problems this season and has been placed in France’s special training program ahead of the 2022 World Cup, which kicks off with host Qatar and Ecuador clashing on Sunday.
Benzema was due to return to training with the team on Saturday, but he was unable to complete the entire session, raising concerns over his availability for the Australian game.
Didier Deschamps can turn to Olivier Giroud instead, or Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randall Colo-Mouani, who has scored eight goals in 23 appearances this season. Benzema, who won the UEFA Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or awards for his performances in 2021 and 2022, has re-established himself as one of France’s leading players after a long absence from international competition.
Benzema had not played for France in over five years after being embroiled in a 2015 extortion scandal. However, he has scored 10 goals in 16 games since returning to the team in 2021.
France is one of the favorites to win the tournament in Qatar. They begin their campaign against Australia before challenging Denmark and Tunisia.
