Madrid: Striker Karim Benzema has not represented France since November 2015. The Real Madrid star has been excluded from the national team program as he faces trial over a blackmail case relating to a sex tape said to involved former France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena. The striker is also accused of trying to extort money from Valbuena ahead of a friendly match against Armenia five years ago. Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has said that it will be good news if the striker can make a return to France's national squad.

A website quoted Zidane as saying, "That Benzema can return to the France team is good news." Michel Moulin, who is one of the candidates running against incumbent FFF president Noel Le Graet, has already said that he would work to bring Benzema back to the France team.

Real Madrid is currently placed at the second spot in La Liga standings, trailing Atletico Madrid by four points. Real Madrid will next lock horns with Alaves on January 24 in La Liga.

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