Man Utd superstar among three alternatives being considered to replace Karim Benzema in France squad
Anthony Martial is one of the likely candidates to replace Karim Benzema in France’s World Cup roster.
Saturday night, Benzema became the latest big star to be forced out of Qatar 2022 after suffering a thigh injury in his first training session with Les Blues.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner will spend at least three weeks on the sidelines following the start of the World Cup.
Didier Deschamps has until Monday evening to add a substitute to his 26-man roster, and Manchester United star Anthony Martial is among the contenders.
According to L’Équipe, Wissam Ben Yedder, Moussa Diaby, and Anthony Martial are the three leading candidates to join the club.
According to the article, Monaco captain Yedder may have an advantage because he is currently on vacation with his family in Doha. This season, the 32-year-old has scored 10 goals in 21 appearances for his team and has 19 international caps.
This season, Bayer Leverkusen star Diaby has been in fine form, scoring eight goals in his wide position for the German club.
Martial has made 30 appearances for France since making his debut in 2015, although he was not included in the squad that won the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The 26-year-old has not represented his country since October 2021, but he has shown flashes of brilliance for United this season, despite an injury-plagued campaign.
Martial has been limited to just three starts this season, scoring four goals in that span, with United manager Erik ten Hag identifying him as his first-choice striker and the key to any success. United will enjoy this season provided he is healthy.
According to L’Equipe, Deschamps must make a “tough decision” and could alternatively pick between Thomas Lemar of Atletico Madrid and Lyon winger Martin Terrier.
Benzema has sent a message of good luck to his teammates, saying that his successor will play a larger part in Qatar during the next few weeks.
“In my life I have never given up but tonight I have to think about the team as I have always done so reason tells me to leave my place to someone who can help our group have a good World Cup,” Benzema wrote. “Thank you for all your messages of support.”
Man Utd superstar among three alternatives being considered to replace Karim Benzema in France squad
