Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been ruled out of France’s (2/7 to win in 90 Minutes) Euro 2012 qualifier against Belarus (8/1) on Friday night with an ankle injury.
The French Football Federation announced that the 22-year-old would not be risked on Friday night in coach Laurent Blanc’s first competitive match in charge since taking over after the disastrous World Cup finals campaign.
Although tests on Benzema’s right ankle showed a slight improvement, it was deemed to be too much of a risk for him to play at the Stade de France.
The ex-Lyon star will continue to receive treatment with the FFF hopeful he may be fit for Tuesday’s game with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A statement from the FFF read: “Benzema will not be included in the team selected by Laurent Blanc to face Belarus. We hope he will be able to return to the squad for next Tuesday’s game against Bosnia in Sarajevo.
Guillaume Hoarau (4/1 First Goalscorer) is expecetd to lead the line against Belarus with Loic Remy (5/1) dropping in behind him with the Paris St Germain striker revealing they were forming a good understanding on the pitch.
“His game completes mine,” said Hoarau. “Everything will depend on what we do on the field, on the spark that we inject into the team’s game. We had a big training session on Tuesday and already the understanding is emerging, even though most of the side haven’t played together before.”
Chelsea star Florent Malouda (11/2) is set to be the most experienced international in France’s starting line-up with several new faces given an extended run, such as Jeremy Menez (11/2) who will start on the right.
Louis Saha (7/2), despite having made only one Premier League start and two substitute appearances for Everton this season, is set for a spot on the bench with Nicolas Anelka having been banned for ten matches.
The former Fulham and Manchester United striker revealed he has used leeches to help his chronic knee problems which have sidelined him for long periods in the last few years.
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