The loss of Karmin Benzema to injury looked like a major blow to France ahead of their World Cup campaign.
The striker failed to recover in time from a muscle injury and returned to Spain for treatment.
But having never dropped out of the squad, reports have suggested that the 34-year-old could be back for the final.
French manager Didier Deschamps was asked about the possibility of Karim Benzema returning for the clash with Argentina on Sunday.
Deschamps: “I prefer not to answer”
Didier Deschamps says he “prefers not to answer” a question about a report that Karim #Benzema is rejoining the France squad ahead of the final.
🤐#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/HqIbJSh3Gw
— Juliet Bawuah (@julietbawuah) December 15, 2022
Deschamps’ response to the question was fairly emphatic as the coach refused to answer the question.
The former French midfielder appeared pretty uncomfortable at being asked about it and provided a frosty response.
Benzema was sent home by Deschamps rather than leaving the camp of his own free will.
After returning to Valdebebas, the striker took just three days to recover, according to Real Madrid staff.
On Thursday, he featured in a friendly for Los Blancos with no issues, showing again that the injury was not too serious.
Benzema is furious with Deschamps and does not understand the treatment that he has received, information that he has shared with his Madrid teammates.
Even after the just first training sessions in Qatar, Deschamps told Benzema: “What a pity Karim that you have to leave”.
From the player’s side, he instantly got the message that the French manager clearly did not want him there.
Therefore, a dramatic return for the final of the World Cup for Benzema now looks impossible.
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