Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane is sorry that Karim Benzema continues to be frozen out of the France squad.

Les Bleus coach Didier Deschamps hasn't considered Benzema since last summer after the striker became embroiled in an alleged blackmail plot.

Varane told Telefoot: "Benzema unhappy being out of the team of France? Karim is human, so those things affect him. Now he has a mental strength that allows him not to allow himself to be grounded.

"He remains efficient, he has been for years, he remains serene. He should come back? It does not detract from the players of the France team, but Karim is at the top level in the world so in any group he would bring his qualities."