France boss Didier Deschamps hints at Karim Benzema return

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 22 November 2016

Didier Deschamps says that Karim Benzema's 'situation may change' by the time the next international break arrives, having been overlooked by France for the past year.

Didier Deschamps has revealed that he will recall Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema to the France national side once he feels that the time is right.

The 28-year-old was overlooked for Euro 2016 selection on home soil and has not featured at all for Les Blues since October 2015, due to his alleged role in an attempt to blackmail teammate Mathieu Valbuena.

Deschamps has remained coy on the future of Benzema when questioned in the past, but he has now left the door open for a potential return to the fold in the New Year, as long as it is in the best interests of the whole team.

"There is no Benzema case for me. That is something the media have created," he told beIN Sports. "It is clear that he was an important player for France and then some things happened. Every time I take a decision, I look at what is best for the team and I will continue to make my decisions based on that principle.

"But that does not mean Benzema's situation will still be the same in four or six months. There is a team that is doing well and has a common goal, but nothing is permanent. If I call up Benzema, it will be with the intention to play him. It is the same with Patrice Evra.

"I do not call up players like them to put them on the bench. They have a certain status with the national team. I can only repeat that I take decisions that I think are in the team's best interest."

Benzema has scored 27 goals in 81 appearances for Les Blues since making his debut nine years ago.