Big concerns for the French national team before the start of the World Cup: According to consistent reports, Karim Benzema had to break off a training session on Saturday evening due to injury.

The 34-year-old center forward traveled to the national team after a few days in Doha and was only able to train with his colleagues for the first time today. A prolonged absence of Benzema would be a major setback for the reigning world champion.

An official statement from the French Football Association is pending, detailed investigations are to be carried out tomorrow, Sunday. However, L'Équipe already assume that Benzema will not be available for the first group game against Australia and may even miss the rest of the tournament.

Benzema previously suffered from muscular problems and his renewed injury may be a relapse. National coach Didier Deschamps can decide by Monday whether he wants to recall the world star in order to nominate a fit striker. Before that, Christoper Nkunku left due to an injury shortly after starting preparations for the World Cup.

This article was originally posted on 90min.de as Karim Benzema missed World Cup opener against Australia - tournament use in danger! released.