Karim Benzema snubs France on eve of World Cup final as virus rips through squad
Karim Benzema has seemingly shut down claims he will return to France's squad for the World Cup final against Argentina.
Benzema has played no part in the tournament after picking up a thigh injury before it began. Les Blues steamed through to the final in his absence, knocking out England and Morocco on the way.
But the 34-year-old appeared to be back in contention after nursing himself back to full fitness while the tournament progressed. France boss Didier Deschamps teased his return by refusing to reveal if the striker was in his plans to face Argentina on Sunday.
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However, it looks like the French will have to do without Benzema who seems to have more pressing issues at hand. The Real Madrid ace posted a selfie looking nonplussed with the caption: "I don't care," on Instagram, which appears to show his nonchalance towards the upcoming spectacle.
Benzema's telling response comes after the Daily Mail claim his relationship with Deschamps deteriorated after the Les Blues boss sent him home when he got injured. The publication also revealed that the attacker was invited to watch the final by French president Emmanuel Macron who extended his hospitality to all the squads crocked players including Paul Pogba, but Benzema is reportedly poised to turn it down.
If Benzema did return to the France squad for the final and help them retain their crown, it would've capped a sensational year for the attacker who lifted the Champions League with Real Madrid, and won his first-ever Ballon d'Or award. Les Blues could do with a boost going into the game as they face the daunting prospect of taking on Lionel Messi and Co without five players who have been struck with an illness that's ripped through the squad.
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Adrien Rabiot and Dayot Upamecano were the first to be affected, and then Kingsley Coman joined them on the sick bed. The trio missed France's semi-final win over Morocco, and if their absences weren't bad enough, Deschamps' worries worsened when defensive duo Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate were also taken ill.
It is feared the virus is linked to the air conditioning in the team hotel – and those affected are said to be suffering from a high temperature and fever-like symptoms. To avoid any more players getting ill, team doctors have introduced strict health measures including self-isolating as the affected quintet attempt to recover before the final.
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