France Forward Karim Benzema Pens Touching Message After Suffering Painful Injury on Eve of World Cup

• Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has been ruled out of the World Cup in a huge blow to France's chances in Qatar
• The 34-year-old sustained a serious thigh injury in training on the eve of the tournament which has ended his hopes of featuring for France
• France will kick start their World Cup defence against Group D opponents Australia on Tuesday, November 22

France and to a larger extent the entire football landscape were dealt a hammer blow following the injury of Karim Benzema, ruling him out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Unquestionably, Benzema was heading to Qatar as the best pound-for-pound striker in the last 18 months however, his aspirations have faded into thin air due to injury.

The 34-year-old annexed the coveted Ballon d'Or award last month, crowning off a stellar season where he guided Real Madrid to domestic and continental success laced with a plethora of goals.

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Benzema had been suffering from a hamstring injury but it is a tear to the left thigh which ends his World Cup dream, MARCA reports.

According to Daily Mail, the current Ballon d'Or holder sustained a thigh injury in training with Les Bleus on Saturday evening and examinations have determined he will play no part in the tournament.

Following the devastating news, Benzema took to Instagram to pen an emotional message:

"In my life I never give up but tonight I have to think about the team like I always do so the reason tells me to leave my place to someone who can help our team to make a great World Cup. Thank you for all your messages of support."

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World Cup: Benzema headlines injured France stars

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema headlines a truckload of superstar names ruled out of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Defending champions France were billed to parade arguably the best squad at the Mundial but thanks to the players' anathema, injuries, Les Bleus will have to enter the competition without a cross section of their topmost talents.

Despite having capable replacements for the absentees, France will feel the pinch of the high-profile injured stars.