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Benzema absence will hurt France's Euro 2016 hopes - Lizarazu

The France great believes that Les Bleus will be hampered by the loss of their centre-forward but is hopeful that Antoine Griezmann can continue his fine form for the national side

Bixente Lizarazu fears that Karim Benzema’s absence from France’s Euro 2016 squad will hurt the country’s hopes of glory.

Didier Deschamps will name his party on Thursday evening but the Real Madrid striker will not be present, with the French FA (FFF) having already taking the decision to omit him due to a sex-tape scandal involving Mathieu Valbuena.

The European Championship winner in 2000 believes this will be a difficult burden for a young group to carry.