Vieira left out of France squad

03 August 2009 19:23
France have left Patrick Vieira out of their squad for the World Cup Group Seven qualifying match against the Faroe Islands on 12th August. The Inter Milan midfielder has been strongly linked with a return to former club Arsenal, but he is not fully match fit and has been omitted by Raymond Domenech. But the France boss has handed a first call-up for Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko, who is reported to be a target for a number of Premier League sides. Domenech has again selected Chelsea's Florent Malouda and Gunners centre-back William Gallas is recalled after recovering from knee ligament damage. Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery, who has been at the centre of summer-long transfer sagas has been included in the 22-man party, despite a knee complaint. France, who play the Faroe Islands in Torshavn, are currently second in their group, eight points behind leaders Serbia. France squad:Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille); Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Julien Escude (Sevilla), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Rod Fanni (Rennes), William Gallas, Bacary Sagna (both Arsenal), Sebastien Squillaci (Sevilla); Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Moussa Sissoko (Toulouse), Jeremy Toulalan (Lyon); Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Loic Remy (Nice), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich).

Source: SKY_Sports