The case involving Karim Benzema not only threatens to affect his future with Real Madrid. The French striker, star of his national team, could also see any chance of taking part in next summer's European Championship go up in smoke.

The judicial investigation opened against Benzema includes a restraining order regarding Mathieu Valbuena, the main protagonist of the story, which, despite his not making any comment, could prove a headache for Didier Deschamps.

France's national-team coach considers both the Real Madrid striker and the Lyon playmaker as crucial to his plans and he will now be presented with a difficult problem unless the French justice system rules otherwise.

The coach, however, has not called up either of the two players for the friendlies against Germany and England on 13th and 17th November. The reasons given: Benzema, due to "being injured" and Valbuena because he is "not playing for Lyon and not being in the best mindset due to the current events".

The problem lies in that both players, in top form, have been regular features of the French national team for over five years. With the restraining order, Deschamps could be forced to choose between them.

All this could affect France's chances in an event for which, in addition to playing hosts, they start out tipped as among the favourites to win the title.