Karim Benzema: Will France star play in World Cup final vs Argentina? | OneFootball

Didier Deschamps was asked if Karim Benzema will be back for the World Cup final after his France side defeated Morocco on Wednesday night.

Les Bleus reached their second consecutive World Cup final with a hard-fought 2-0 win, thanks to goals from Theo Hernandez and Kolo Muani.

France will become the first nation to successfully defend the World Cup since Brazil in 1962 if they can find a way past Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates this weekend.

Reports from Spain claim Real Madrid have granted Benzema with permission to travel to Qatar.

The world-class striker, who won the 2022 Ballon d’Or award in October, is still part of France’s 25-man squad, despite suffering an injury on the eve of the tournament.

Benzema, 34, tore a muscle in his left thigh and was given a three-week recovery period, which seemed to end his hopes of featuring in Qatar.

“In my life I have never given up but tonight I have to think about the team, as I have always done, so reason tells me to leave my place to someone who can help our group make a good World Cup,” Benzema said on Instagram at the time. “Thank you for all your messages of support.”

However, Deschamps surprisingly opted against bringing in a replacement for the revered centre-forward, telling reporters: “Because I decided, simply. This is a quality group, united on and off the pitch. I have confidence in them.”

The Mirror, citing Mundo Deportivo, are now claiming that Benzema has a chance of featuring in Sunday’s World Cup final against Argentina.

Deschamps is asked if Benzema will return for World Cup final

Deschamps was asked the question by a journalist following his side’s semi-final victory over Morocco.

The journalist said: “There is a report today that Karim Benzema could come back to Qatar. First of all, is it true?

“And second of all, if it is, is there any possibility that you would be able to use him for a few minutes if you needed him?”

Deschamps closed his eyes and let out a long sigh after listening to the translated question through an earpiece.

He eventually responded: “I don’t really want to answer that question…

“Next question. I do apologise.”

So while Deschamps didn’t answer the question with a categoric ‘no’, we can probably assume from his reaction that the chances of Benzema featuring in Sunday’s World Cup final are extremely slim.

What have other football fans on social media made of the clip? Let’s check out some of the reaction: