In an era when soccer players in their 30s begin to decline, French goal-poacher Karim Benzema is defying the odds to carry on with his career even as he edges closer to his late 30s.
The Real Madrid talisman bagged the prestigious Ballon d’Or trophy in 2022 after a phenomenal campaign with the Los Blancos. Featuring 46 times for Madrid, the Frenchman netted 44 times in all competitions, guiding his team to La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles last season.
Owing to his incredible goal-scoring form, Benzema was called up to the French national side to play in the World Cup. However, the Madrid striker had to bail out due to a persistent injury. This added Benzema’s name to France’s long list of injured names.
Christopher Nkunku
Presnel Kimpembé
Lucas Hernandez
Karim Benzema
Mike Maignan
N’Golo Kanté
Paul PogbaAll of them not available, Ballon d’Or winner included…
…but Didier Deschamps’ France reach again the World Cup final after Russia 2018.#Qatar2022 🏆🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/7tvvOezYRr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 14, 2022
Reports are now claiming that the 34-year-old is available for selection in the Final game of the World Cup.
While this is music to the ears of French supporters and appeals to the soccer romantics as a warm reunion, there is just one problem. In the absence of Karim Benzema, Didier Deschamps has relied upon the services of another veteran striker. Olivier Giroud.
PUT SOME RESPECT ON OLIVIER GIROUD’S NAME 😤 pic.twitter.com/2DDKxx58uj
— GOAL (@goal) December 10, 2022
The 36-year-old AC Milan forward has outperformed most forwards this World Cup campaign. He has bagged 4 goals in this World Cup, strengthening France‘s resolve to keep hold of the World Cup trophy. The former Chelsea forward was also crucial in helping France get past a stern English side in the quarterfinal game. He scored the winner against England to send his team through to the semifinal round.
Giroud has gelled well with the national side and has been crucial to the Les Bleus. Owing to his fine form, he seems set to start the Final game against Argentina. In such circumstances, Deschamps would not want to disturb the ecosystem of the team that has gotten him to a second final consecutively.
Why was Karim Benzema not playing for France so far?
This season, the fatigue of playing constantly finally seems to have caught up with the 34-year-old as he started complaining of injuries since the season commenced. Keeping his form in mind, French tactician Didier Deschamps named him in the 26-man squad for France. Unfortunately, the star forward was sidelined due to a left thigh injury before even the World Cup kicked off.
Spanish outlet Marca had earlier reported that a three-week deadline had been set in place for Benzema to return to training with the French national side in Qatar. It was later claimed that he made it to Qatar to begin training with France before the deadline. But, subsequently left to train and rehabilitate with Real Madrid.
Karim Benzema has recovered from his thigh injury and trained fairly well in Madrid. As Didier Deschamps opted not to call in for a replacement, there is a spot left in that 26-man squad. With Real Madrid’s impending permission, the Ballon d’Or winner can…(1/2)#FRA #ARG pic.twitter.com/deUZCAYVCW
— Akash Roy (@thewreckedjoker) December 15, 2022
There appears to be a loophole, using which Deschamps may be able to call upon Benzema to play the Final against Argentina on Sunday. Deschamps never actually called another striker to link up with the French squad in Qatar, as a replacement for Benzema. Instead, he has relied upon Olivier Giroud, who has fared well for the defending champions.
This allows the French head coach to hand Benzema a start in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final even though the Real Madrid man has not featured all tournament.
Didier Deschamps paid tribute to his side’s spirit against Morocco, and swerved a question about a report Karim Benzema has been given permission by Real Madrid to return to Qatar and make himself available for the final.
“I don’t really want to answer that question, sorry.” pic.twitter.com/bI6ffLiBRz
— Chris Flanagan (@CFlanaganFFT) December 14, 2022
When asked about Benzema’s return to the French camp during the group stages, Deschamps said:
“It’s not something I’m thinking about now. I leave it to you if you want to have a debate about it. The thought hasn’t crossed my mind.”
The thing to watch out for is whether this high-pressure World Cup Final game will change his mind.