Real Madrid News
Deschamps on the possibility of recalling Benzema for World Cup final: “Will not answer”
France booked their place in the finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022 after securing a 2-0 win over tournament darkhorses Morocco on Wednesday night.
Former Real Madrid defender Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani were on target for the reigning world champions as they set up a date with Lionel Messi and Argentina for the finals later this weekend.
Following their progression to the grand finale, manager Didier Deschamps, who could lead France to back-to-back World Cup triumphs, spoke to the media. And during the interaction, the inevitable questions about a certain Karim Benzema popped up.
The 34-year-old striker was sent back from Qatar after he picked up a thigh injury right before the World Cup started. However, with France opting not to name a replacement, the Real Madrid captain still remains on the squad list.
Recent reports suggested that the decision to send Benzema back was made in haste as he had recovered sufficiently in time to feature for France in the knockout stages.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner has completed his recovery fully now and completed five training sessions with Real Madrid. Furthermore, he is expected to play some part in Los Blancos’ friendly against Leganes later tonight.
Given that his name is still on the France squad list, Deschamps was asked if he would recall Benzema to Qatar now that they had made it to the finals and the centre-forward was fully fit.
However, the France manager made his thought about such a move clear as he responded curtly, saying: “I will not answer, next question.”
France have not exactly felt the absence of Benzema as Olivier Giroud has performed well as the striker while Kylian Mbappe has been producing the goods in front of goal as well, with Antoine Griezmann pulling the strings from behind.
So, it does seem extremely unlikely that Deschamps will be making a late call for Benzema to join the rest of the France squad for the World Cup final.
However, some reports suggest that the Real Madrid superstar could still receive a medal if Les Bleus go on to win as his name is still on the squad list.
Real Madrid News
Key Real Madrid star will be fit for Valladolid clash despite national team withdrawal
Real Madrid have been greeted with some positive news on the injury front as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is expected to be fit and ready for the upcoming La Liga clash against Real Valladolid.
The 30-year-old custodian had flown away for national team duty with Belgium and played the full game against Sweden last week. However, the Real Madrid ace was sent back to the club over the weekend due to a minor adductor strain.
This raised concerns over the former Chelsea star’s condition, especially with a busy period lying ahead for the Merengues.
However, Mario Cortegana of The Athletic has eased any nerves surrounding his situation, reporting that Courtois was subjected to tests upon returning to Spain and there is no reason for worry.
The report states that Real Madrid expect their No. 1 to be fit and available for their next game which will be against Real Valladolid in La Liga on April 2, Sunday.
It is further stated that the knock Courtois sustained was not a new one and that the 30-year-old had felt discomfort in the same area during Los Blancos’ UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg tie against Liverpool at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this month.
Courtois has featured 32 times across all competitions this term, having missed a few matches due to fitness issues. He has managed just ten clean sheets and will be hoping to add to that against Valladolid, now that is reportedly fit to feature at the weekend.
In another boost, reports earlier today indicated that Toni Kroos does not have any injury after concerns were raised due to the midfielder doing individual training sessions over the past week.
