There seems to be no end to surprises at the FIFA World Cup this year in Qatar. There have been major upsets like Saudi Arabia beating Argentina in the group stage, or Cameroon edging out Brazil. Then, Morocco shocked everybody with their dream run to the semifinal, beating heavyweights Spain, Belgium and Portugal on the way.
Now, reports suggest that Karim Benzema may return to France's squad for the final clash against Argentina on December 18. The French striker was ruled out after picking up a thigh injury in a training session on the eve of the tournament. He returned to Madrid to work on his recovery.
What has added to the mystery is French coach Didier Deschamps's refusal to answer the question, while talking to FOX Sports. "I don't really want to answer that question," Deschamps said following a long pause. "Next question. I do apologise."
So, can Benzema play in the final, despite not being with the squad in Qatar?
Technically, he can. Benzema is still part of the France squad – no replacement player was named – and so, is eligible to return. The 34-year-old has been training with the Real Madrid team since last week, without any visible fitness issues.
Spanish news outlet Diario AS has reported that Real Madrid are not going to stop Benzema from travelling to Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, if he chooses to.
Deschamps had said last month that Benzema, who has netted 37 goals in 97 caps for France, will not return to the squad. So, what could have caused this speculation? One reason could be that France’s camp has been hit by an illness. Midfielder Adrien Rabiot and defender Dayot Upamecano did not train, and winger Kingsley Coman, too, is, reportedly, sick. None of them played against Morocco.
"We have had a few cases of with flu-like symptoms," Deschamps said. "We are all trying to be careful so that it doesn't spread."
It is likely that the coach will have to bring back Benzema, if one of his star strikers Olivier Giroud or Kylian Mbappe are unable to make the playing XI.
Benzema returned to the national set-up after a six-year hiatus and starred for France at Euro 2020 by scoring four goals.
He also won the La Liga and the Champions League with Real Madrid, finishing as the top-scorer in both.
France are looking to become the first nation to retain the World Cup title since Brazil did it in 1962. Deschamps became only the fourth manager to lead a nation to consecutive World Cup finals after France reached the 2022 World Cup final.
