KARIM BENZEMA’S World Cup dream appears to be officially over as he was spotted at La Reunion Roland-Garros airport ahead of his holiday on the Indian Ocean island.
France were dealt a blow on the eve of the tournament when he withdrew from the squad with a thigh injury that was estimated to keep him out for three weeks.
Reports from Spain then suggested that the 34-year-old Real Madrid star was recovering quicker than expected and could even rejoin the squad in Qatar at a later date.
Benzema was never replaced so could technically link back up with Les Bleus.
However, that looks extremely unlikely as he touched down for a ‘week-long holiday’ at a ‘secret location’ today.
A host of photographers were on hand to see the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, who was flanked by security, make his way out of the airport and into a waiting car.
He was wearing a red baseball cap and a black shirt as he prepared to start his vacation.
L'Equipe are stating that Benzema will stay in a private rental for seven days before returning to full-time training at Real Madrid.
And they also claim to have been informed that the forward is a “long way off” being 100 per cent and that he will refrain from joining the squad until he is.
But should he make a recovery, then Deschamps will have the right to call Benzema back into the France squad.
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That’s due to him still on the list of players registered for the tournament.
France have already qualified from Group D after beating Australia and Denmark.
They take on Tunisia tomorrow looking to extend their perfect start to the defence of the trophy they lifted in 2018.
