Karim Benzema is expected to make a surprise comeback to the French national team for the European Championships this summer.
Since the infamous blackmail scandal involving Les Bleus teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape in 2015, which resulted in his arrest, the Real Madrid striker hasn’t played for France.
While the charges against Benzema were eventually dropped, Didier Deschamps has refused to recall him since, even for France’s Euro 2016 campaign and World Cup victory in Russia in 2018.
But, according to L’Equipe, that may be about to change.
According to the French outlet, Deschamps is reconsidering his stance on Benzema. In fact, another French publication, Le Parisien, claims that the 33-year-old will most likely be included in France’s 26-man squad for the European Championship.
🔵 INFO LE PARISIEN | Karim Benzema devrait bien être dans la liste des 26 de Didier Deschamps pour l'Euro 2021
— Le Parisien (@le_Parisien) May 18, 2021
➡️ https://t.co/bUriK3NN61 pic.twitter.com/fQ5I61iqia
Given Benzema’s brilliant form at Real Madrid over the last few years, there have been calls for Deschamps to recall him.
In the meantime, France’s ‘Group of Death’ could use the extra firepower. In Group F, the world champions will face Hungary, Euro 2016 champions Portugal, and Germany.
Before his exile in 2015, Benzema had 27 goals and 18 assists in 81 appearances for France.
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