France boosted by the return of Karim Benzema ahead of World Cup final

December 15, 2022

(FILES) In this file photo taken on November 13, 2021, France's forward Karim Benzema celebrates after scoring a goal during the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualification football match between France and Kazakhstan at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. - On December 19, 2022, Benzema announced ending international career with France (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Reigning World champions France will be buoyed by the return of current Balon D’or winner Karim Benzene ahead of Sunday’s final clash.

The Les Bleus will be taking on Argentina in a match that promises to be historical and mouth watering.

The Frenchman was ruled out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on the eve of the tournament after suffering a thigh injury.

The European side who will be playing back to back finals however didn’t miss his presence as they made it to the finals with goals raining in from everywhere.

Benzema’s injury saw him join the likes of Paul Pogba, Lucas Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, N’Golo Kante and Christopher Nkunku in missing the tournament through injury.

“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.”

Despite his spot going vacant before the tournament, France coach Didier Deschamps declined naming another player meaning that the 34 year old is still eligible to feature.

He’s currently training with the Real Madrid squad after being given a green light over his injury and could be in line to make a surprise return to the French camp in Qatar ahead of the final showdown on Sunday.

Asked whether Benzema could make a likely return for the World Cup final against Argentina, Deschamps said that he “prefers not to answer” about this question.

The final will be played on Sunday 18th December at Lusail Stadium 6pm Ugandan time.