Paul Pogba WILL be at the World Cup final, cheering on his France team-mates from the stands after meeting with Rio Ferdinand and Laura Woods in Doha, while Karim Benzema stays in Madrid
Paul Pogba will cheer his France team-mates on from the stands when they take on Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday.
Pogba, who has not been involved for the reigning world champions in Qatar after suffering a thigh injury in training in October, posed for pictures with Rio Ferdinand and Laura Woods on the eve of the final.
Didier Deschamps’ side have not missed the Juventus star though, with a midfield combination of Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni and Antoine Griezmann guiding the French to back-to-back finals.
Paul Pogba (L) hit the gym with Rio Ferdinand (R) before the 2022 World Cup final on Sunday
The BBC pundit (right) shared several photos of himself chatting to the French midfielder (left)
Pogba was also seen at Adidas’ event at The Secret Garden bar in Doha alongside Laura Woods
But Pogba has touched down in Qatar – unlike French striker Karim Benzema – and will be in the stands to support his team-mates during the final later today.
Pogba was pictured working out with his former United team-mate Rio Ferdinand in their hotel gym before the showpiece event on Sunday.
The BBC pundit shared several photos of himself chatting to the French midfielder ahead of the game at the Lusail stadium.
Ferdinand posted the photos with the accompanying caption: ‘Just 2 guys putting in hard work… @paulpogba. Good to see you bro! #fifaworldcup’.
Pogba was also seen at an Adidas World Cup event at The Secret Garden bar in Doha alongside ITV and talkSPORT presenter Laura Woods.
The pair posed for a photo together – with Woods sharing it on Instagram shortly after with the following caption: ‘Seeing off the World Cup with the @adidas Family Reunion Night. Thanks for having me you babes.’
The presenter was seen holding up a drink, while Pogba remained empty handed for the event on Saturday evening.
Pogba will be hoping France can retain their title after helping them lift the trophy in 2018
Pogba may have made the effort to travel to the final but one injured French player who is staying away is striker Karim Benzema.
According to RMC Sport, Benzema rejected an offer from French president Emmanuel Macron to join him on his presidential plane to Qatar to attend the game and support his side.
The Ballon d’Or winner has controversially missed the tournament through injury and was expected to be a big miss for the reigning champions, but they have dealt with his absence well.
Benzema, the Real Madrid striker, was ruled out of the tournament before it had even started after suffering a thigh injury in their first training session in Doha.
Karim Benzema has rejected the chance to attend the World Cup final in support of France
Spanish publication Libertad Digital claimed earlier this week that Benzema was unhappy with the treatment by Deschamps, who is claimed to have sent the striker home despite his injury only requiring minor treatment.
Benzema reportedly needed just three days of treatment at Real Madrid’s training facility before he went on holiday and has already recovered.
He is said to have wanted to stay with the French squad to receive treatment, but was sent away from the camp.
L’Equipe claimed on Sunday that Benzema has had no contact with the French camp since he left Qatar. They also claim his relationship with Deschamps, which was already far from harmonious, is now completely ‘broken’.
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