The Real Madrid striker has been struggling with a muscle problem since October and did not complete Saturday’s training session at the tournament venue due to injury. Defending champions France enter the championship with a game against Australia on Tuesday.

“Karim Benzema will not start at the World Cup. After injuring the quadriceps muscle in his left leg, the Real Madrid striker will have to withdraw from the championship,” the French Football Federation said in an official statement. National team coach Didier Deschamps will not recall a replacement for the injured shooter to Qatar.

Benzema underwent his first training session with the national team on Saturday, which was ended early after suffering excruciating pain. “At the hospital in Doha, he underwent a magnetic resonance examination, which unfortunately confirmed the tear,” the federation added, adding that his recovery period would take around three weeks.

Thirty-four-year-old Benzema, who scored 44 goals in 46 games for Real last season, will miss out on his second successive world title. He was France’s top scorer at the 2014 World Cup, but lost out on the title four years ago after being left out of the national team for his involvement in blackmailing teammate Mathieu Valbuena.

“I never gave up on anything in my life, but today I had to think about the team, which I always do. Reason told me to leave that place to someone who will be able to help our team to have a great World.” Trophy,” said Benzema on Instagram, who scored 10 goals in 16 games since returning to the national team last year after six years.

France thus lost another support after Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kanté and Christopher Nkunku were all ruled out through injury.

“I am very sorry for Karim, who is the main objective of this World Cup. Despite this latest complication, I have full faith in my choice. We will do everything to overcome the great challenge that awaits us,” said the French international. coach Didier Deschamps. “Les Bleus” also has Denmark and Tunisia in Group D.