Karim Benzema could make a sensational return to the France squad for Sunday’s World Cup Final, with rumours swirling that the Real Madrid forward is flying back out to Qatar.
The Ballon d'Or winner suffered a thigh injury in training on the eve of the World Cup and was expected to be ruled out of the whole tournament.
But France did not call-up a replacement for Benzema and he is still officially registered in their 26-man squad, so could play a role against Argentina if he has recovered.
Benzema has now returned to full training with Real Madrid and, according to multiple reports in Spain, could return to Qatar after France set up a final against Argentina.
France coach Didier Deschamps refused to rule out a shock return for Benzema after the 2-0 win over Morocco on Wednesday night, saying he "prefers not to answer" when asked the possibility of the 34-year-old re-joining his squad.
After closing his eyes and puffing out his cheeks, Deschamps said: “I don't really want to answer that question.” He then smiled and said: “Next question.”
Benzema won the 2022 Ballon d'Or after helping Real Madrid win the Champions League and LaLiga last season. In his absence, Olivier Giroud has led the line for France and scored three goals so far, including the winner against England in the quarter-finals.
Benzema turns 35 the day after the final but is still one of the deadliest marksmen in the world. After missing France’s World Cup win in 2018 during a six-year international exile, he had been determined to make his mark in Qatar.
There were also rumours during the group stage that Benzema could return to the France squad should the holders go deep into the tournament.
Asked during the group stage about the possibility of Benzema re-joining the France camp in Qatar, Deschamps said: “Wow. Well, I’m not sure [what to say], that’s really not something that I’m thinking about. You seem to know a lot about the situation but I haven’t really been following who has been saying what.”
Benzema last featured for Real Madrid as a substitute in their Champions League win over Celtic on November 2. He has struggled with his fitness this season but his heroics in the Champions League last term show he is a man for the big occasion if Deschamps were to call on him.
