FRANCE boss Didier Deschamps refused to respond when asked if Karim Benzema could feature in the World Cup final.
The Ballon d’Or winner has been forced to miss the tournament with a thigh injury.
However, the French chose not to call up a replacement, meaning Benzema could theoretically return to the fold.
Deschamps effectively poured cold water on any hopes of a return to the squad in an interview before the last 16 stage, and Benzema in turn jetted off for a holiday on the Indian Ocean island of Reunion.
But the forward has made a quicker recovery than expected and has been training normally with Real Madrid since the weekend.
Reports from Spain also claim the Champions League winners have given Benzema permission to fly to Qatar for the final – though whether this is to play or just to watch is not specified.
Nevertheless, Deschamps was in no mood to answer the question put to him about whether Benzema could play.
With a sigh and a smirk, he responded: “I don’t really want to answer that question. Next question. I do apologise.”
It is considered extremely unlikely that Benzema will be recalled to the squad, with Kylian Mbappe forming an excellent understanding with the Real Madrid star’s replacement Olivier Giroud.
Mbappe is currently the tournament’s joint-top scorer with Lionel Messi on five goals.
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And Giroud is joint second top scorer with Julian Alvarez on four goals.
Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea ace Giroud also managed to break Thierry Henry’s record to become all-time France top scorer, and headed home the winner against England.
Following a 2-0 victory over Morocco, France take on Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday.
