Karim Benzema hands France injury scare days before Euro 2020 as Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud stakes claim by edging two goals closer to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s record

France are sweating over the fitness of Karim Benzema after the striker went off injured during a warm-up friendly against Bulgaria.

Les Bleus cruised to a 3-0 victory, but they were handed a scare ahead of their Euro 2020 opener against Germany in Munich next Tuesday.

Z Select

Benzema was clearly in some discomfort

AFP

He is expected to spearhead a frightening France attack – if fit

Playing just his second international match since October 2015 after being recalled this summer, Real Madrid star Benzema asked to be substituted in the first-half due to a knee problem.

“It’s a knock on the knee, which also affects the muscle. He felt he was getting stiff so he asked to be subbed,” coach Didier Deschamps told TF1.

“The medical staff are taking care of him.”

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Giroud could be the benefactor of Benzema’s injury

The 33-year-old was replaced by Olivier Giroud – who seized his opportunity.

After Antoine Greizmann opened the scoring, the Chelsea striker struck twice inside the last seven minutes.

Not only did Giroud stake his claim for a place in the side, the 34-year-old also edged closer to France history.

He now has 46 goals for his country, just five short of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s all-time record.

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