Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva feels that Karim Benzema is "indispensable" to France, indicating that the Real Madrid striker should not be left out of their Euro 2016 squad.
Although he is currently in scintillating form for his club, in December Benzema, 28, was suspended from the national team indefinitely.
That decision came as a result of the former Lyon player being charged with conspiracy to blackmail for an alleged role in an attempt to extort money from France teammate Mathieu Valbuena using a sex tape.
Benzema has denied any wrongdoing, however, and RMC reported on Monday that the investigating judge in the case is thought to be considering releasing him from judicial supervision.
Such a move would pave the way for his return to Didier Deschamps' France squad, especially since Valbuena recently said he would have "no problem" playing with Benzema in future.
Benzema has scored seven goals in five games for Real in 2016 and Brazilian centre back Silva, 31, believes he would be a vital component of any team at international level.
"We know very well the quality of Benzema," Silva told RTL."I think a player like that is indispensable for every national team. I think that even with Brazil we need a striker like that, who's technically good and who positions himself well on the pitch.
"I think he's an extraordinary player for every team. Beyond that, I don't know what Deschamps thinks of the situation but I think he's indispensable for this French team."
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane also said recently that France could not "do without" a player like Benzema, who has already scored 22 goals in all competitions this season.