JAKARTA - Karim Benzema got a bitter reality in the final minutes leading up to the kick-off of the 2022 World Cup. The French national team striker was dropped from the team due to serious injuries.
With this unfavorable condition, Benzema tried to accept the situation. Through his personal Instagram account, Benzema conveyed a sad message because he was forced to give up his position for the good of Les Blues at the 2022 World Cup.
"Throughout my life, I have never given up, but tonight I have to (hand over) to think about the team, like I've always done so far," Benzema wrote, quoted from a caption posted on Instagram on Sunday, November 20.
"So for that reason (the injured) I decided to leave my position, and give it to someone who can help our team achieve a good World Cup result. Thank you for all your messages of support," continued Benzema.
The Ballon d'Or winner suffered a left thigh injury during a training session on Saturday. Because of that, Benzema had to be absent three weeks after undergoing an MRI examination in Doha, Qatar. The French Football Federation (FFF) then confirmed Benzema was absent from the 2022 World Cup.
Benzema was originally the hope of Didier Deschamps' front line at the 2022 World Cup. The coach made Benzema the spearhead of his team because he was in his best form.
Benzema was France's top scorer at the 2014 World Cup, but then missed the squad when Les Bleus won the 2018 World Cup. Now when he became Deschamps' choice in the team, injury broke his hopes.
Benzema's injury made France's preparations ahead of the 2022 World Cup worse. The reason is, before Benzema was withdrawn, Deschamps had already lost Presnel Kimpembe, Ngolo Kante, Paul Pogba, and Christopher Nkunku who were also injured.
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