Ballon D’Or winner Karim Benzema has been ruled out of the World Cup in Qatar after tearing a muscle in his left thigh, the French Football Federation has confirmed.

The 34-year-old got hurt while training earlier on Saturday, and the French Federation said in a statement that he would need “three weeks of convalescence.”

Since October, the striker for Real Madrid has been having trouble with his thigh. In his team’s last six games, he has played less than half an hour.

“Karim Benzema is out of the World Cup,” the French football federation (FFF) said.

“After hurting the quadriceps on his left thigh the Real Madrid striker is forced to give up on taking part in the World Cup.

“He went for an MRI scan in a hospital (clinic) in Doha, which unfortunately confirmed a tear,” the FFF added.

Benzema wrote on Instagram: “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 coach Didier Deschamps added: “I am extremely sad for Karim who had made this World Cup a major objective. Despite this new blow for the French team, I have full confidence in my group. We will do everything to meet the huge challenge that awaits us.”