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Deschamps places France 'harmony' over Benzema return

The Real Madrid star was once again overlooked for his country, as his coach is reluctant to introduce disruptive elements into his side

France coach Didier Deschamps says that the "harmony" within his squad is not worth risking by recalling Real Madrid star Karim Benzema.

Benzema has not featured for Les Bleus since being charged by police in connection to an alleged blackmail attempt targeting his international team-mate Mathieu Valbuena, a case which is yet to go to trial.

The 29-year-old missed last year's European Championship on home soil as a result, although French Football Federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet announced in February that the decision regarding his return to the set-up rested solely with Deschamps.