L'Equipe brand Karim Benzema's injury 'The Lead Balloon' as he is ruled OUT of the World Cup

L'Equipe have called Karim Benzema's recent knee injury 'the lead balloon', as France continue to prepare for the World Cup without their Ballon D'or winner.

The Real Madrid striker was ruled out of the tournament on Saturday after picking up a thigh injury in training. He is expected to be out for three weeks.

It will come as a real blow to Didier Deschamps' side, as Benzema has shown some of the best form of his career in recent months, netting 44 goals in 46 games last season.

He will be the first Ballon d'Or holder to miss a World Cup since Kevin Keegan in 1978.

Benzema released a statement about the injury on social media, which read: 'In my life I have never given up but tonight I have to think about the team as I have always done so reason tells me to leave my place to someone who can help our group make a good World Cup. Thank you for all your messages of support.'

France were already missing one key striker after RB Leipzig's Christopher Nkunku picked up an injury after being tackled by Eduardo Camavinga in training.

The injury interrupted an excellent run that had seen Nkunku score 12 goals in 15 Bundesliga games, and had him tipped to be a break out star at the tournament.

Despite recent injury woes, the World Cup holders still boast the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Kinglsey Coman and Antoine Griezmann going forward, and will be expected to go far at this year's tournament.

Les Bleus will get their World Cup underway on Tuesday when they face Australia at the Al Janoub Stadium.