Tuesday, February 18, 2025
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Benzema Replaced For Bafana Clash

Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema has been ruled out to face Bafana Bafana, with Olivier Giroud recalled to replace the striker.

Benzema, 34, is one of the most in-form forwards in world football at present with 32 goals and 13 assists for Los Blancos in just 34 games this season and will be a huge blow as he missed El Clasico this evening.

Having previously been outcasted from Les Blues for more than five years, he returned for Euro 2020 and has become a mainstay in the squad again.

However, he will now miss the friendly games against Ivory Coast and South Africa this month due to a left calf injury, as per the official statement from the French Football Federation.

Didier Deschamps side are using the two games as part of their preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup later this year as they face the Elephants in Marseille on March 25, and Hugo Broos boys in Lille four days later.

Overall Benzema has scored 36 goals and registered 20 assists in 94 caps for the French senior national team since making his debut in March 2007.

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