Raymond Domenech insists Patrick Vieira needs to be playing regularly before he will be recalled by France.
The 33-year-old Inter Milan midfielder was a notable omission from his squad for their forthcoming World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands.
Domenech opted to hand a first call-up to Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko, leaving 107-cap Vieira out in the cold.
First-team footballVieira has been tipped to re-join Arsenal this summer, although Domenech does not mind which club he is at as long as he is playing regularly.
"Pat needs to play a lot to feel good and to get back to his best level," explained Domenech.
"He has to keep playing. I hope he will start playing - at Arsenal or Inter Milan."
Source: SKY_Sports