Didier Deschamps insists that France will not replace the injured Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema ( @Benzema ), who suffered a thigh injury on Saturday and was ruled out of the 2022 World Cup, will not be replaced, according to France manager Didier Deschamps.

The Real Madrid midfielder was called up to the France squad for the 2022 World Cup, but he was suffering from muscular tiredness when he flew out to Qatar.

Benzema missed Real Madrid’s final two La Liga games before the World Cup and was only allowed to participate in limited training before rejoining the team on Saturday.

However, the 34-year-old suffered a new thigh injury later in the practice, and scans confirmed that he would be forced to miss the World Cup while undergoing a three-week rehabilitation period.

With players like Moussa Diaby, Wissam Ben Yedder, Anthony Martial, Martin Terrier, and Alexandre Lacazette all on reserve, Deschamps has until Monday to bring up a replacement for Benzema.

With Christopher Nkunku and Presnel Kimpembe suffering injuries since Deschamps announced his team selections, France will therefore defend their World Cup crown with a 25-man squad.