Karim Benzema has become the first Ballon d’Or winner to miss a World Cup since Kevin Keegan in 1978. France were dealt a huge blow when the Real Madrid striker pulled up in training with a thigh injury.
At 34, Qatar was likely to be Benezma’s last major tournament on the international stage. A six-year exodus from Didier Deschamps’ setup caused the striker to miss the last World Cup in Russia.
He joins a long list of high-profile stars who will miss FIFA’s global showpiece. France have arguably had the worst injury luck, with N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba and Christopher Nkunku all ruled out.
