Karim Benzema is unlikely to return for the FIFA World Cup 2022 Final against Argentina scheduled for December 18, 2022, at 8:30 p.m. IST at Lusail Stadium.
French football fans anticipated the return of Karim Benzema when Deschamps chose not to talk about his arrival in the final lap of the FIFA World Cup 2022 against Argentina. Reports flew in that the star striker was in line to make a comeback after recovering from a thigh injury.
His training without any injuries is what sparked these rumors. The most recent information indicates, however, that Karim Benzema may not participate on December 18, 2022, at Lusail Stadium in Qatar. The team is less keen on making any significant adjustments before the tournament’s marquee match after Les Blues defeated Morocco 2-0.
There is no question about the level to which Karim can contribute. France has shown class without his presence, which matters the most at a time when the team is on the edge of rewriting a 60-year-old history.
France won the previous edition of the FIFA World Cup. This is its second consecutive appearance in the tournament final. The 2-0 victory in the semi-final came despite Mbappe not scoring a single goal. Hernandez and Randal took the lead in breaking the defensive wall on Regragui’s side.
Moreover, France finished at the top of Group D with 2 wins and 1 loss. Given that French football has never faced the penalty round, the journey through the knockout round was relatively easy. England did come out strong in the quarterfinal stage on December 11, 2022. Kane’s narrow miss made it work for France.
Deschamps did not comment on Karim’s return, but he also did not name a replacement. This kept a window open for the possibility of his potential return.
Karim’s career has not really been blessed since his involvement in the Valbuena controversy broke the news. He was reportedly omitted for five years for a failed blackmail attempt against Mathieu Valbuena, his former teammate. He could have redeemed all the lost chances by playing alongside Deschamps’ men in the FIFA World Cup had it not been for a thigh injury.
Technically, Karim will earn the title if France wins the FIFA World Cup final on December 18, 2022, against Argentina. Plus, a supportive appearance like that of Blaise Matuidi cannot be ruled out. Blaise joined his teammates after they claimed a victory over Morocco.
There are chances that Karim may miss those moments, but the possibility still can not be ruled out.
Deschamps is likely to replicate the winning formation of 4-2-3-1, with Hugo Lloris in charge behind the defending stretch led by Konate and others. Giroud is in the race for the Golden Boot, as is Mbappe, with 4 and 5 goals to their names, respectively.
Stick around on December 18, 2022, physically or virtually, to experience the concluding moments of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
