France recall Evra and Ribery
Patrice Evra and Franck Ribery were today included in the France squad for the first time since the World Cup.
The Manchester United left-back and Bayern Munich playmaker were identified as two of the ringleaders in the disharmony which plagued Les Bleus’ World Cup campaign, and were subsequently banned for five and three games respectively by the French Football Federation.
Both men have sat out the last seven international fixtures – the first of which saw coach Laurent Blanc select an experimental side against Norway.
But they will be in contention when France take on Luxembourg in a Euro 2012 qualifier on March 25 and for the friendly against Croatia in Paris four days later.
Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri was recalled after missing the recent win over Brazil through injury.
Barcelona defender Eric Abidal is absent after it was discovered he has a tumour on a liver and there was no place for Marseille midfielder Mathieu Valbuena.
In-form Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema was included after scoring nine goals in his last seven games.
The France squad is: Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux), Steve Mandanda (Marseille); Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Gael Clichy (Arsenal), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Philippe Mexes (Roma), Adil Rami (Lille), Anthony Reveillere (Lyon), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Mamadou Sakho (Paris St Germain); Abou Diaby (Arsenal), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Yoann Gourcuff (Lyon), Yann M’Vila (Rennes), Samir Nasri (Arsenal), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich); Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Kevin Gameiro (Lorient), Guillaume Hoarau (Paris St Germain), Jeremy Menez (Roma), Loic Remy (Marseille).
