Karim Benzema 'ultra motivated' for return after missing World Cup

Karim Benzema is out for what has been described as ‘revenge’ and has been carefully plotting for his return to action for weeks after being forced to leave the World Cup prematurely.

The Real Madrid forward made the 26-man France squad, but was bogged down by an injury and withdrew from the squad as a result. His agent has since hit out at France coach Didier Deschamps, claiming Benzema would have been able to play a role in the knockout stages.

Benzema was crowned the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner following a sensational campaign last season, firing Real Madrid to domestic and European glory with a glut of goals.

But it’s been a stop-start season thus far in 2022/23, with injury issues plaguing the Frenchman throughout. AS report that Benzema has overcome injury and muscle fatigue and is now training without pain for the first time in three months, with the 35-year-old ‘ultra motivated’ to seek revenge with Real after the frustration that came from the World Cup.

This season is the first time Benzema has failed to score in the Champions League group stages since 2008. The frustration of his injury woes combined with his situation in Qatar, where Deschamps opted to do without him despite him seemingly becoming available again, has served as his motivation ahead of Real’s return.

France reached the final of the tournament and were a penalty shootout away from retaining their World Cup crown, but couldn’t see off eventual winners Argentina to get over the line.

Benzema missed out on Les Bleus’ 2018 triumph having only returned to the fold in 2021 following a six-year exile, but has called time on his international career following his most recent frustration.