France down to 25 players as Benzema will not be replaced

Karim Benzema is irreplaceable. Didier Deschamps has until 20:00 CET on Monday to give FIFA a replacement to include in the France squad after the injury to the number 9.

The France coach has not thought about including anybody for Benzema. That is what Deschamps has told 'Telefoot'.

The French media outlet asked directly whether he was going to select another striker to take Benzema's place. The coach was clear: "No."

"It's a completely new injury. He was all set to return to training," said Deschamps on the reason for him returning to Madrid. 

There was speculation over the possibility of him calling up Ben Yedder, Antony Martial, Moussa Diaby, Thomas Lemar or Martin Terrier. However, none of them, will go to Qatar.

Deschamps believes that with Griezmann, Mbappe, Giroud, Coman, Dembele and Thumary Kolo Muani, the six attackers in the list, he has more than enough firepower and is not thinking of calling up anyone else. The France squad list, barring a surprise, will not be altered.

 

November 20, 2022