Benzema plays friendly at Real and wins clearance to go to the Cup final

This Thursday (15), the day after France beat Morocco and confirmed its place in the World Cup final, striker Karim Benzema participated in a few minutes of a Real Madrid training game against Leganés, and won release from the club to travel to Qatar to follow (or participate in) the decision.

According to the Spanish newspaper Marca, the number 9 had been invited by the FFF (French Football Federation) to watch the decision, on Sunday (18), against Argentina, at the Lusail stadium, when the two teams will play in search of the third championship worldwide.

It is not yet known what will be the decision of the striker, or of the French team, in relation to a possible reinstatement of Benzema to the squad. It was also not revealed the athlete’s actual playing condition, or for how many minutes he could eventually stay on the field in a match on Sunday.

The match against Leganés had two halves of 30 minutes, with Carlo Ancelotti using most of the starters he had at his disposal. The friendly ended 1-1, with Kroos scoring for the Whites. The team is preparing for the return of the Spanish Championship, on December 30, when it will face Valladolid.

Best player in the world according to a recent election by France Football, Benzema suffered an injury to his left thigh on November 19 and was out of contention in Qatar. However, the striker was never officially cut by France coach Didier Deschamps.

While Les Bleus had a successful campaign on the pitches of the Middle East, Deschamps always talked about a return of Benzema to the team. At the same time, the Real player left short and cryptic messages on his social networks, hinting that he might be able to return.

Questioned after the triumph in the semifinals about the possibility of having the player in the final, Deschamps showed irritation. “I won’t answer that question. I apologize. Next question.”