Benzema's agent slams Deschamps, says striker could have been fit for FIFA World Cup's last-16 clash

France striker Karim Benzema could have been fit for the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, the 35-year-old's legal representative Karim Djaziri said while hitting out at manager Didier Deschamps on Tuesday.

The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, who had a falling-out with manager Deschamps, was injured during practice and sent home before the tournament in Qatar began.

Djaziri published a video to support his assertions.

Djaziri took to Twitter on Boxing Day and questioned the French camp, posting: "I consulted three specialists who confirmed the diagnosis that Benzema could have been fit from the last 16 to at least be on the bench. Why did you ask him to leave so quickly?"

After France's loss to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final penalty shootout last week, Benzema appeared to confirm his international retirement on social media.

The mega final of FIFA saw Argentina beat defending champions France by 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday.

The relationship between Benzema and Deschamps has been turbulent, as he was passed over for both the 2016 Euros and the 2018 World Cup. After 97 caps and 37 goals for France, the forward has ended his international career.