France striker Karim Benzema has been ruled out of the World Cup in Qatar after suffering an injury in training, the French Football Federation said on Saturday.
The Ballon d'Or holder trained with the squad for the first time since arriving in Qatar on Saturday but was forced to leave the session early with a thigh injury and scans ruled him out of the tournament.
"I am extremely sad for Karim who had made this World Cup a major objective.
"Despite this new blow for the French team, I have full confidence in my group.
"We will do everything to meet the huge challenge that awaits us," said coach Didier Deschamps in a statement.
Asked on Sunday by TeleFoot whether he would replace the Ballon d'Or winner in his squad, Deschamps said "No".
"This is a quality group," he added. "In everything they do, both on and off the pitch, they are united. I have confidence in them."
The 54-year-old brushed aside questions about the French team's handling of Benzema, who had been nursing an injury for the past month.
"I know that you're looking for controversy," he said. "But everything is under control, (the injury) was not even caused by him accelerating or shooting. Anyone could have a problem like that and get injured."
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin November 21, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin November 21, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Malfunctioning component among reasons for N-S Line disruption: LTA
A component meant to protect outdoor equipment from power surges, like those from lightning strikes, did not work as intended on June 3, resulting in a traction power fault that disrupted commutes along the northern stretch of the North-South MRT Line for more than two hours during evening peak hours.
WHO warns of escalating health crisis in West Bank
Attacks on health infrastructure, growing restrictions obstructing access to care
Young and old bond over dialect lessons at senior daycare centre
Programme brings sense of purpose to seniors, helps kids develop social skills
Inspiring, strong, loving: Dads show it their way
This Father’s Day, meet four emotionally involved fathers who show true dad-ication
World leaders join peace summit in test of Kyiv's diplomatic clout
Absence of Moscow's powerful allies such as China set to blunt potential impact of talks
Cleanup under way after oil slicks hit Sentosa, East Coast Park and other areas
Oil slicks stained the coastlines at East Coast Park, Labrador Nature Reserve, Keppel Bay, the Southern Islands and Sentosa on June 15, a day after a damaged cargo tank leaked oil into the sea at Pasir Panjang Terminal.
PM Wong kick-starts series of visits to districts across S'pore
A month after being sworn in to the top post, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong says he plans to visit different constituencies across the island over the coming months to meet as many Singaporeans as he can.
ANYWHERE FITNESS
Experts say daily exercise of at least 20 minutes is best for a healthier mind and body for all ages. Here’s how to get ina workout without going to a gym
MAD ABOUT INDIAN MANGOES
Taste these seven varieties here before the season is over
NTU marketing professor introduced as new face in Tampines East
A new grassroots leader for the Tampines East ward of Tampines GRC was introduced to residents by anchor minister Masagos Zulkifli on June 15.