France's medical staff had concerns over Karim Benzema's fitness before his withdrawal from the World Cup, according to fresh reports.
The Ballon d'Or winner was expected to lead the line for Les Bleus in Qatar, having missed the 2018 tournament as Didier Deschamps' team triumphed in Russia. Benzema has struggled with a thigh problem over the last month, playing less than 30 minutes of football since October 19, and was officially ruled out on Saturday.
Benzema isn't the only star unavailable for his country. Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante will also be absent for Deschamps' side, while Senegal forward and Ballon d'Or runner-up Sadio Mane has also been ruled out.
