Add Category
The Socceroos will not face Karim Benzema in their World Cup opener against France after the Ballon d'Or winner was ruled out of the entire tournament with injury.
- Benzema was injured at a French training session
- The Socceroos play France on Wednesday morning AEDT
- France is yet to confirm a replacement for Benzema
The Real Madrid striker had to quit the defending champions' training session on Saturday night after sustaining a thigh injury.
Benzema was subsequently ruled out of the World Cup after an MRI scan revealed a tear that needs three weeks to heal.
He is likely to be replaced in the French team for the Group D match with Australia on Wednesday morning AEDT by AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud.
Borussia Dortmund's Marcus Thuram, called up this week to replace Christopher Nkunku, is another option.
Saturday was the first time Benzema, who has been struggling with a muscle problem, had trained with the French squad since they arrived in Qatar.
The French Football Federation tweeted that after "hurting the quadriceps of the left thigh" he was "forced to give up participating in the World Cup".
At 34, Benzema is unlikely to get the chance to play in another World Cup, leaving his career unfulfilled at the international level.
AAP/Reuters