Karim Benzema set to miss France’s World Cup opener against Australia

KARIM BENZEMA is set to miss the start of the World Cup in Qatar having not trained with the France team yet.

The Real Madrid striker faces a race against time to be ready for Les Bleus’ tournament opener against Australia on November 22.

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Benzema is reportedly not training with the full squad and is currently only able to able to perform some dynamic movements in his separate workout, according to GFFN.

The report suggests that he will be able to train with the rest of his team-mates later this week, but it is believed it will not be enough time to get his fitness up for the match at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah.

It is likely that manager Didier Deschamps will pick Olivier Giroud to start up top for France, or he could hand a chance to young striker Randal Kolo Muani.

Benzema would then be aiming to be fit for the game against Denmark on November 26.

Deschamps will be hopeful the Ballon d’Or winner is able to overcome his current knock as he has already seen his squad depleted for Qatar.

PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe, Juventus’ Paul Pogba, Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante, AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, and RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku are all missing.

Despite fitness concerns, Benzema is remaining positive about the World Cup in Qatar and is hopeful of helping France lift the trophy, especially as the day after the final is his 35th birthday.

He said: “Winning the World Cup would be one of my best ever birthday presents.

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“Each match will be a cup final. We’ve got a great group of players, we’re going to take it one game at a time.

“I’ve had a few little fitness issues but nothing serious. There’s still plenty of time until the 22nd. I’ll be fine, I’ll be physically and mentally ready.”