France’s Karim Benzema became the first Ballon d’Or winner since 1978 to miss the World Cup when he got injured ahead of the tournament.
But could he still realise his dream of playing in the World Cup final?
Didier Deschamps chose not to replace the Real Madrid star, which potentially opens the door for late involvement.
As France prepare for a final showdown with Argentina on Sunday, The Athletic explores whether Benzema could yet play a part against Argentina.
Why hasn’t Benzema played at the World Cup?
After getting his hands on the Ballon d’Or for the first time back in October, Benzema was one of the superstars expected to descend on Qatar.
It would have been his second World Cup and first since 2014.
But his 2022/23 season had already been marred by injury at Real Madrid and just a few days after linking up with his France team-mates, a thigh injury left his World Cup hopes in tatters.
An MRI scan showed that he would need three weeks to recover so the France Football Federation (FFF) ruled him out of the tournament. However, they chose not to replace him in the squad.
Benzema returned to Real Madrid for rehab and made good progress. In recent days, he had been pictured and filmed training with the rest of his team mates.
His recovery then stepped up another level as he played half an hour for the Spanish and European champions in a friendly against Leganes on Thursday.
🔌 @Benzema
🆚 @CDLeganes #RMCity pic.twitter.com/QkpqXC7OCg— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 15, 2022
Could Benzema play in the World Cup final?
The Frenchman’s return to full fitness has led to plenty of fans asking the same question: can he play against Argentina in the final?
Given his name is still included in the France squad, the rules state that he can still play.
Section 24.2 of FIFA’s World Cup regulations states: “Only the 23 to 26 players on the final list will be permitted to take part in the final competition.”
As shown by the France teamsheet from their semi-final, Benzema’s name is still very much on the squad list.
Et la feuille de match avec les 11 titulaires Marocains ! 💪 pic.twitter.com/qL5qPccv8e
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) December 14, 2022
Although, whether he can play and whether he will play are two very different things.
Olivier Giroud has had an excellent tournament in Benzema’s place. He is in with a shout of winning the Golden Boot heading into the final game of the World Cup with four goals to his name, leaving him one behind Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
So, if he were to return to the squad, Benzema would almost certainly have to settle for a place on the bench.
That brings us onto another important question…
Will Real Madrid allow Benzema to play in the World Cup final?
While still missing several of their World Cup representatives, Real Madrid are preparing for a return to club football.
They are back in action on Friday, December 30 against Real Valladolid and Carlo Ancelotti will want Benzema available at all costs.
But the World Cup is a special occasion and the 34-year-old missed France’s triumphant campaign of 2018 after a scandal.
The Athletic understands that if Benzema wants to travel to Doha for the game against Argentina, Real Madrid will not stand in his way.
He will be allowed to join the team, as a player or as a spectator, if he wishes.
What has Deschamps said about Benzema?
As Benzema stepped up his return to fitness a couple of weeks ago, Deschamps faced questions regarding a potential recall to the squad. The France manager kept his cards close to his chest.
“It’s not something that’s occupying my mind. I don’t know who’s saying what and how,” he said after the first two group games.
“You know the situation and the time that he needs to recover. I spoke with Benzema after he left us, but I don’t know where you’re going with your question.
“I have 24 players here and I’m thinking about them. I will let you speak, debate, and imagine, but I’m not going to comment on things that don’t concern our daily business.”
The France boss looked exasperated when he faced a similar question following his side’s semi-final win against Morocco.
He replied: “I don’t really want to answer that question. Next question. I do apologise.”
What is France’s record with and without Benzema?
Benzema’s restoration to the international fold was confirmed in June of last year.
France have played 27 matches since then with the Ballon d’Or winner featuring in 16 of them.
The records with and without Benzema in the team in the last 18 months look like this:
France with Benzema since June 2021:
Matches: 16
Wins: 8
Draws: 6 (Lost on penalties vs. Switzerland at Euro 2020)
Losses: 2
Win percentage: 50%
France without Benzema since June 2021:
Matches: 11
Wins: 8
Draws: 1
Losses: 2
Win percentage: 72.73%
When is the World Cup final?
The World Cup final will take place at 3pm GMT (10am EST, 7am PT) on Sunday, December 18.
Lusail Stadium, the largest arena in Qatar, will host the showpiece game.
(Top photo: Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images)
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