France manager Didier Deschamps refused to give a definitive answer when asked if Karim Benzema could return for Sunday's World Cup 2022 final against Argentina.
Les Bleus have become the first World Cup holders since Brazil in 1998 to reach the final after a 2-0 win over African history-makers Morocco at the Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Theo Hernandez's acrobatic effort gave France the lead after just five minutes before Randal Kolo Muani completed the job 44 seconds after coming on - the third-fastest World Cup substitute goal in history.
Les Bleus have progressed to the showpiece event without the services of Ballon d'Or Benzema, who was named in Deschamps's squad before being forced to withdraw due to a fresh thigh injury.
Deschamps chose not to call up a replacement for the 34-year-old, who is therefore still available for selection for Sunday's final, and he has returned to full training with Real Madrid this week.
© Reuters
Benzema's comeback has led to rumours that Deschamps could bring him back into the fold against Argentina, and he was asked about the possibility of recalling the veteran attacker following Wednesday's victory in his post-game press conference.
However, after letting out a sigh, the France manager responded: "I don't really want to answer that question. Next question. I do apologise."
France were forced to navigate a wave of Moroccan attacks in front of a sea of Atlas Lions crowd members, with Azzedine Ounahi and Jawad El Yamiq both testing Hugo Lloris in the first half.
Deschamps's side struggled to get out of their own half in the opening stages of the second 45, but the final ball let Morocco down as France held firm before Kolo Muani tapped home at the back post following Kylian Mbappe's blocked attempt.
Deschamps urged his players to "savour the moment" as they endeavour to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups, while Italy were the only other team to do so in 1938.
© Reuters
"It's never easy but it's been such a joy. We're going to go after the title on Sunday. We're going to enjoy the time," the 56-year-old added.
"I tell this to my staff and players. Take every moment in the day to really appreciate and savour the moment. In four days we are going to play for a world title. We'll enjoy it now and get ready for the last match of this World Cup."
Deschamps's France are preparing to face a Lionel Messi-led Argentina as the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner aims to win his first-ever World Cup winners' medal in his final match at the tournament, and the Bleus coach has affirmed that his side will pull out all the stops to ensure Messi's night ends in heartbreak.
"We will do everything humanly possible for that not to happen. At the end of the match, someone is getting a third star on their shirt," Deschamps added.
Prior to Sunday's final, losing semi-finalists Morocco and Croatia - who lost 3-0 to Argentina - will compete for the consolation prize of third place on Saturday.
No Data Analysis info
Netherlands
Senegal
Ecuador
Qatar
England
USA
Iran
Wales
Argentina
Poland
Mexico
Saudi Arabia
France
Australia
Tunisia
Denmark
Japan
Spain
Germany
Costa Rica
Morocco
Croatia
Belgium
Canada
Brazil
Switzerland
Cameroon
Serbia
Portugal
South Korea
Uruguay
Ghana