Karim Benzema has played a total of five games in World Cups, with all five of those games coming during the 2014 edition in Brazil. The Frenchman started in each of those, making his debut against Honduras and playing until France’s elimination against Germany.
Benzema would then miss out on the 2018 edition following his part in the Mathieu Valbuena blackmail scandal. Following a stint in the doldrums, Benzema was recalled to the French national team with the reigning Ballon d’Or set to play a key role in France’s 2022 hopes.
However, bad luck would befall Benzema with the French star sustaining an injury just before the tournament started meaning he has missed every game France has played in.
Benzema and Lucas Hernandez, still on the squad lists
Despite not featuring during a single game, Benzema and teammate Lucas Hernandez who, like Benzema, is suffering from an injury are still being named in the French squads.
Since neither player was replaced following their respective injuries this fact gives them the chance to take home a winner’s medal if France recreates its success from 2018.
Benzema thought he would be replaced
The striker did believe he would be replaced in the France squad after sustaining his injury.
“In my life I have never given up, but tonight I have to think about the team, as I have always done, so reason tells me to leave my place to someone who can help our group to have a great World Cup,” Benzema said following his injury.
France replaced Nkunku
One player who was not so fortunate was RB Leipzig striker Christopher Nkunku. He suffered a sprained knee during a training session with the national team and was replaced by Eintracht Frankfurt‘s Randal Kolo Muani.
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