Werder Bremen’s playmaker Johan Micoud has been recalled to France’s squad for next week’s friendly against Holland but there is no place in the squad for striker Nicolas Anelka.
Anelka, who had been expected to earn a recall, was left out by the European champions 10 days after issuing a public apology to coach Jacques Santini for snubbing a late call-up to the squad in November 2002.
“Johan’s performances have been followed by our staff. We know he is a leader in his team,” Santini told a news conference on Thursday.
“He is a playmaker and he will have the opportunity to show with France what he does so well with his club.”
France squad:
Goalkeepers: Fabien Barthez (Marseille), Gregory Coupet (Lyon)
Defenders: Jean-Alain Boumsong (Auxerre), Marcel Desailly (Chelsea/ENG), Mikael Silvestre (Manchester United/ENG), William Gallas (Chelsea/ENG), Bixente Lizarazu (Bayern Munich/GER), Lilian Thuram (Juventus Turin/ITA), Willy Sagnol (Bayern Munich/GERL)
Midfielders: Claude Makelele (Chelsea/ENG), Olivier Dacourt (AS Roma/ITA), Patrick Vieira (Arsenal/ENG), Robert Pires (Arsenal/ENG), Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid/SPA), Ludovic Giuly (Monaco), Johan Micoud (Werder Brenen/GER)
Strikers: Thierry Henry (Arsenal/ENG), David Trezeguet (Juventus/ITA), Steve Marlet (Marseille), Peguy Luyindula (Lyon)
