KARIM BENZEMA could make a sensational recovery to play at the World Cup.
France were dealt a blow on the eve of the tournament when he withdrew from the squad with a thigh injury that was estimated to keep him out for three weeks.
But sensational reports from Spain have suggested the Real Madrid star may be recovering quicker than expected, and could rejoin the squad at a later date.
Benzema was never replaced so could technically link back up with Les Bleus, but French sources are playing down the likelihood of it actually happening.
Meanwhile, Jules Kounde has promised not to rein it in against Tunisia – despite the risk of suspension.
France have already qualified from Group D after beating Australia and Denmark and will likely rotate their squad against the Tunisians tomorrow.
But Kounde, who was booked against the Danes, will still go full pelt even though he knows another caution would see him banned for the last 16.
The Barcelona star, 24, said: “I’ll be a bit more careful maybe but I’ll never play at 50 per cent just not to have a yellow card.”
Kounde was set to join Chelsea in the summer from Sevilla.
But he switched at the last minute to Barca instead, where he will enjoy El Clasicos against best mate and Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, 22.
The close pair were in the Bordeaux academy together and are now starring for the national team alongside each other.
Versatile defender Kounde added: “It’s amazing to be able to share this opportunity with your friend. We’re very close. We look at things the same.
“We have the same mentality, we have the same agency, we have the same desire to succeed. It connects us and is very special.”
Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris will equal Lilian Thuram’s record of 142 France caps if he is selected in goal against Tunisia, who are fighting to stay at the World Cup.
