Didier Deschamps took a swipe at Karim Benzema, on Thursday, as the French coach yet again left the Real Madrid forward out of his 26-man squad for three key matches next month.
The 29-year-old Benzema has not figured for France since October 2015 over allegations of his involvement in a sex-tape scandal featuring midfielder Mathieu Valbuena.
Benzema and former international team-mate Valbuena exchanged barbs this week and Benzema also “liked” an Instagram photo ridiculing Deschamps and striker Olivier Giroud. Investigators suspect Benzema of acting as an intermediary between the presumed blackmailers and alleged victim Valbuena. The case is likely to go to court later this year.
Asked about Benzema’s recent actions, Deschamps said: “I would say only one word: it’s pitiful.”
“The French team was built before Euro (2016), it was consolidated through the competition, where we managed to reach the final,” he added of Benzema’s continued omission. “We have continued to be competitive in qualifying. I have a group with balance and harmony.”
France take on Paraguay in a home friendly on June 2, Sweden away in a crucial World Cup qualifier on June 9 and England in Paris in a June 13 friendly. Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette regains his place at the expense of Atletico Madrid’s Kevin Gameiro, while Tottenham Hotspur’s Moussa Sissoko replaces Monaco’s Tiemoue Bakayoko.
Bakayoko has been playing in a mask to protect his broken nose. Monaco prodigy Kylian Mbappe also got the chance to impress up front. Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma also got the nod.