France striker Karim Benzema has been ruled out of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 after picking up a thigh injury in training.

Benzema wrote on Instagram: "In my life I have never given up but tonight I have to think about the team, as I have always done, so reason tells me to leave my place to someone who can help our group make a good World Cup. Thank you for all your messages of support."

Coach Didier Deschamps expressed his disappointment at this latest injury blow, having already lost key men such as Paul Pogba and Ngolo Kante.

"I am extremely sad for Karim who made this World Cup a major goal," Deschamps said. "Despite this new setback, I have full confidence in my group. We will do everything to meet the immense challenge that awaits us."