Didier Deschamps has refused to take the blame for Karim Benzema’s injury, insisting France co-operated fully with Real Madrid in their handling of the striker.
Reports in the Spanish Press on Saturday claimed Les Bleus ignored the capital giants’ warning about the 28-year-old’s fitness after he pulled up with a hamstring injury against Armenia a day earlier, but the Coach made it clear transparency was not an issue.
“If I have to respond to what the Press say in Spain, we always relay information about the players’ condition to the doctors of their clubs, regardless of the club and player,” he was quoted as saying by AS.
“Benzema came to me after the game and we put together a special plan of work so he would avoid any further problems.
“Look at the number of injuries we’ve suffered lately in international matches [referring to a low number].
“I feel sorry for Karim, the national team and his club.”
