French football star Karim Benzema will not be participating in the 2022 FIFA World Cup due to a thigh injury, according to an announcement made on Saturday.

According to the French Football Federation (FFF), the "Les Bleus" striker suffered an injury to his left quadriceps, forcing him to withdraw from the competition.

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Benzema, 34, who won the renowned Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball) award in October following a stellar season with Real Madrid, departed Saturday's training session due to pain in his thigh following which he received an MRI in a Doha hospital.

According to the FFF, Benzema will require three weeks to recuperate meaning that he will not play for France at the World Cup, which begins on Sunday.

In the Qatar 2022 Football World Cup, France is in the same group with Australia, Denmark, and Tunisia.

France's opening match will be against Australia on November 22.

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