Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane was left baffled after Karim Benzema was once again left out of the France squad.
Despite his form for Los Blancos over the year, Benzema has not featured for the two-time world champions since 2015 after being accused of blackmailing French teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape.
Benzema continues to be Los Blancos' talisman after he bagged two goals and an assist in Saturday's 3-1 win over Celta Vigo, taking his tally to 23 goals in 32 appearances.
The Real striker is second highest-scoring French player in Europe's top five leagues this season behind Kylian Mbappe, but is unable to find a way in Didier Deschamps' squad.
"You can't understand that Benzema doesn't play for his country," Zidane was quoted as saying by Marca.
"Lots of people don't understand it.
"But I'm happy as the coach of Real Madrid. He's done a great job for the team."
Benzema has racked up 81 appearances for the French national side, scoring 27 goals since making his debut at the age of 17 in 2007.
