Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has explained his injury problems in recent weeks.

Benzema admits he's had had some fitness issues which had prevented him from playing regularly for Los Blancos in the build-up to the 2022 World Cup.

He said, “Winning the World Cup would be one of my best ever birthday presents (Benzema turns 35 on 19 December, the day after the final). Each match will be a cup final. We've got a great group of players, we're going to take it one game at a time.

"I've had a few little fitness issues but nothing serious. There's still plenty of time until the 22nd (when France play their first game against Australia). I'll be fine, I'll be physically and mentally ready.

“It's amazing. Thanks to my current club Real Madrid for helping me make my dreams come true, and to Lyon, my boyhood club. They've always been here for me, I started making my way through the ranks here, so it's an unbelievable moment, it's really heart-warming for me. It's my city, it's the club that helped me fulfil my ambition of signing for Real Madrid. Seeing all the people here and all the fans is incredible, it makes me really proud of the work I've done and I know they're proud of me too."