Qatar 2022, Didier Deschamps lapidary on Karim Benzema’s return

France plays for the World Cup with Argentina on Sunday

Benzema had to withdraw from the World Cup due to injury. Coach Deschamps did not replace him. In fact, the place of the Ballon d’Or has remained vacant. There are those who think that Benzema may be present at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday. Paradoxically, if he were even summoned to sit on the bench, he would also feel the eventual World Cup victory is his.

In the post-match of the semifinal win over Morocco, coach Deschamps was asked whether or not there is a possibility of seeing Benzema at Sunday’s final. The France coach’s answer was lapidary: “I prefer to move on to the next question.” The feeling is that there is no room for any, sensational, last-minute comeback for the Real Madrid striker.