Fresh reports claim that Karim Benzema will snub the opportunity of going to Qatar to take in France’s World Cup final vs Argentina.
The reigning world champions booked a place in their second successive final by beating surprise package Morocco 2-0 in the last four. That victory set up a blockbuster finale in Qatar where they will face Lionel Messi and Argentina.
Les Bleus have reached another final despite Didier Deschamps being without a number of key starters. The likes of Paul Pogba, Presnel Kimpembe, Christopher Nkunku and N’Golo Kante were ruled out entirely, whilst Benzema picked up a thigh injury on the eve of the tournament.
But unlike the other injury-stricken stars, the Real Madrid superstar remained in France’s squad - despite flying back to the Spanish capital to continue his rehabilitation. The 34-year-old was given a recovery time of three weeks and since he wasn’t replaced, he could yet make a sensational return.
Benzema is understood to be in full training back with his club and the European champions have given him the green light to head back to the Gulf state, Mundo Deportivo reports. However, Relevo now claim that the player himself has turned down the chance of being in attendance in any capacity at The Lusail Stadium on Sunday.
Should France lift the trophy for the third time, Benzema will be in line for a winners’ medal - but it now seems unlikely he will collect that in person. The Spanish news outlet add that the striker has been left disappointed by Deschamps’ lack of enthusiasm about a potential reunion.
The France boss was asked about the chance of him appearing in the semi-final, but told reporters: "I take care of 24 players here," Deschamps said. "I don't take care of those who are not here, like Kimpembe or Pogba as well. I'm not going to talk about things that do not occupy my day-to-day."
He was then asked again after his side secured progression, but bluntly replied: "I don't really want to answer that question. Next question. I do apologise."
Benzema has been posting congratulatory messages for his team-mates throughout the tournament and Auerlien Tchouameni revealed he has been in touch with his Madrid team-mate.
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Despite his open dialogue with players, the coldness from Deschamps in particular has hurt him. Benzema also understands that arriving in Qatar for the final throes of the World Cup wouldn’t be a good look - particularly with his nation thriving in his absence.
The confusion over his stance is the latest chapter in what has been an uneasy relationship with the national side. In May 2021, he ended a six-year period in the international wilderness by being called up for the European Championships.
The reigning Ballon d’Or winner has failed to ever had a lengthy run in a major tournament, with France reaching the final in the last three tournaments he played no part in. The only time Deschamps hasn’t at least finished as runners-up was in 2014 and 2021, when the Madrid striker was available for selection.
