Arsenal forward Robert Pires, who fell out with France manager Raymond Domenech in October, was again omitted the squad for next week’s friendly against Sweden.
Pires was left out for France’s last game of 2004 after complaining about being replaced during a World Cup qualifier against Cyprus in October.
Domenech always insisted there was nothing personal in his decision not to pick Pires, who himself admitted at the time he was not playing at his best.
“I won’t answer any question concerning the players who have not been picked,” Domenech told reporters on Thursday. “I do not have to justify myself.
“I’m just waiting for these players to show me I must choose them. It’s the ideal situation for a coach.
“A squad is never set, the team changes, every game brings something new,” he said.
Pires had said he hoped to be recalled in an interview with French daily Le Parisien before the squad was named.
“I hope to be retained. I would be disappointed if I was not part of this list,” he ssaid.
“The French team is very important to me, whatever I might have said or done. It’s also important for France to qualify for the 2006 World Cup for I sincerely believe we can finish top of our group,” he added.
Domenech has recalled striker David Trezeguet, who has not played for France since a 1-0 defeat by Greece in the Euro 2004 quarter-finals in June.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Fabien Barthez (Olympique Marseille), Gregory Coupet (Olympique Lyon)
Defenders: Patrice Evra (Monaco), William Gallas (Chelsea), Gael Givet (Monaco), Eric Abidal (Olympique Lyon), Sebastien Squillaci (Monaco), Jonathan Zebina (Juventus)
Midfielders: Camel Meriem (Girondins Bordeaux), Rio Mavuba (Girondins Bordeaux), Olivier Dacourt (Roma), Benoit Pedretti (Olympique Marseille), Patrick Vieira (Arsenal), Vikash Dhorasoo (AC Milan)
Strikers: Ludovic Giuly (Barcelona), Peguy Luyindula (Olympique Marseille), Thierry Henry (Arsenal), David Trezeguet (Juventus), Louis Saha (Manchester United), Florent Malouda (Olympique Lyon)
