Karim Benzema has declared himself fit for France's crucial Euro 2012 qualifier against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday.
Real Madrid striker ready to lead the line in Sarajevo
Karim Benzema has declared himself fit for France's crucial Euro 2012 qualifier against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday.
The Real Madrid striker has recovered from a right ankle injury and is expected to lead the line for Laurent Blanc's side who were shocked 1-0 by Belarus at the Stade de France on Friday.
Benzema claims that he is up for the challenge of reviving his country's fortunes as Les Bleus travel to Sarajevo for a crucial encounter.
The 22-year-old will be the focal point of France's attack after Blanc lost three of his first choice forwards in Loic Remy, Louis Saha and Guillaume Hoarau all to injury since the Belarus defeat.
"I am ready to fight for my place at both Real and the French team," said Benzema, who has scored eight goals in his 28 appearances for France.
"I have had a year of adapting which did not go really well at Real, but this year I have come with new ambitions, that of playing regularly.
"I am fit, I have returned to training normally, and I am fine physically."
Succeed
Blanc praised Benzema, saying that it would good for the national side if he were to succeed at the Bernabeu.
"In terms of his morale, I would say that he is ready in his head, and ready to make certain sacrifices notably on the level of diet.
"I am happy to hear him say that, for to succeed at a big club like Real, it is necessary to have both footballing and psychological qualities."
