France boss Didier Deschamps says “the first step has been taken” in Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema’s return to international duty.
Benzema was suspended by the French Football Federation (FFF) in December after he was charged with complicity to blackmail Mathieu Valbuena and legally prohibited from approaching his international teammate while the case was ongoing.
However, the restraining order has since been lifted and Deschamps is hopeful of being able to recall the 28-year-old for his Euro 2016 preparations.
“There’s an appeal pending, so we must let the justice system work,” he told Canal+.
“At the moment, he’s not available for selection, but once he is, I’ll make a decision.
“A positive verdict will determine whether the President [Noel Le Graet] makes him available or not.
“Obviously, I want to have the best players in my team, but this case isn’t sports-related.
“We’ll see how things go, but the first step [to his return] has been taken.”
