Can Karim Benzema return for the World Cup final?
By Sean Walsh
Karim Benzema's return to Real Madrid action for 60 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly earlier this week has fuelled speculation that he may return to France's World Cup camp ahead of Sunday's final.
The 34-year-old missed out on a gold medal with Les Bleus in 2018 due to his exile from the national side, but was named to Didier Deschamps' 26-player squad for this winter's tournament.
Benzema was initially ruled out of the World Cup with a hip injury, but as Deschamps opted not to bring in a replacement, the striker has officially remained part of their squad list and has simply been greyed out on matchday graphics.
With the Ballon d'Or holder now seemingly fit again, could he return for the final against Argentina?
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Can Karim Benzema return for the World Cup final?
Technically, yes. Benzema is allowed to return in a playing capacity as he remains part of France's final 26-player squad.
Deschamps was asked about such a possibility following France's semi-final win against Morocco, but asked immediately to move onto the next question and refused to be drawn on speculation. When asked more recently, he insisted he's focusing on working with a 24-player squad, excluding Benzema and Lucas Hernandez.
It's since been reported that Benzema has been invited to the final by the French Football Federation in a non-playing capacity. A similar invite was sent to Zinedine Zidane, who rejected it, and Benzema responded by posting a picture of himself with the former midfielder on his Instagram story. That's probably a 'no', then.
Benzema additionally posted on Instagram appearing to suggest he is 'not interested' in going.
Can Karim Benzema receive a medal?
As Benzema is in France's 26-player squad, he will receive either a gold or silver medal following Sunday's final. Whether he chooses to accept it or not is another question.
During Benzema's time away from the French national side, they have excelled, now reaching their third final in their last four major tournaments.
Olivier Giroud, often deemed as inferior to Benzema, has overtaken Thierry Henry as France's all-time leading goal scorer, enjoying fruitful relationships with fellow forwards Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann.