Speaking ahead of France’s match against Australia, Eduardo Camavinga (20) said that his international and club teammate Karim Benzema (34) was “annoyed” after being ruled out of the World Cup.
Benzema has been struggling for fitness in recent weeks, and already looked a doubt for Tuesday’s game against Australia on Tuesday. However, during training on Saturday, the Real Madrid forward and current custodian of the prestigious Ballon d’Or, pulled up.
Following scans on Saturday night, the extent of the injury was revealed and his withdrawal from Les Bleus’ squad was confirmed. Speaking to TF1 on Sunday morning, Didier Deschamps said that he will not call up a replacement.
Camavinga, who plays club football, as well as international football with Benzema, said that he had spoken to Benzema since the diagnosis, but hadn’t had the chance to meet him, as he left Qatar early on Sunday morning. “I didn’t see him leave training. It was during the match. Then he went to go off for tests, but it was late and we all went to bed. We heard the news the next morning. It hurts but our objective doesn’t change. We have a match coming very soon, and if we get hung up on it, it could be difficult,” said Camavinga in a press conference transcribed by L’Équipe.
He continued, “We knew late in the evening that he was unavailable, but he couldn’t tell us because he left early this morning. I have messaged him since. He was annoyed to miss out on the competition. It’s a blow but we have lots of good players and we’ll fight for all of those who haven’t had the chance to come.”
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
