Madrid, Spain: Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane remains hopeful his compatriot Karim Benzema will be free to represent France at this year’s European Championship despite being indefinitely suspended by the country’s football authorities over blackmail charges.

Benzema is accused of colluding to blackmail international teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex-tape.

Last month, president of the French Football Federation (FFF) Noel Le Graet said Benzema would be suspended for the Euros unless the case is settled beforehand.

However, Benzema travelled to France this week to give evidence for the second time in the case with hopes increased that a resolution could be reached before June.

‘With regards to his case and personal problems, I hope it will be fixed and fixed as soon as possible.’ said Zidane.

Benzema’s off-field problems haven’t affected his form this season as he has struck 21 goals in 20 games, including five in three since Zidane replaced the sacked Rafael Benitez earlier this month.

‘We spoke before he went to France and everything went well, which is the most important thing,’ said Zidane.

‘What matters to me is that he is in good shape and we can see on the field that he is happy, committed in training and is playing very well.’