France coach Jacques Santini has recalled midfielder Robert Pires, striker David Trezeguet and defender Bixente Lizarazu to his squad for next week’s international friendly against the Czech Republic.
Pires missed last year’s World Cup finals through injury but he has returned to action with Arsenal this season, showing few if any side-effects from the lengthy lay-off.
Juventus striker David Trezeguet is another to have been plagued by injury. He last played for his country during the World Cup finals but like Pires, has recently returned to full fitness.
Lizarazu meanwhile, has been recalled to the squad after it looked like his international career was over following a disappoinitng World Cup campaign.
Also returning to the squad is Auxerre striker Djibril Cisse and Monaco midfielder Ludovic Giuly, both of whom are enjoying good seasons in France.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: 16-Fabien Barthez (Manchester United), 23-Gregory Coupet (OlympiqueLyon)
Defenders: 8-Marcel Desailly (Chelsea), 5-William Gallas (Chelsea), 3-Bixente Lizarazu (Bayern Munich), 2-Philippe Mexes (AJ Auxerre), 13-Mickael Silvestre (Manchester United), 15-Lillian Thuram (Juventus Turin)
Midfielders: 14-Ludovic Giuly (Monaco), 6-Claude Makelele (Real Madrid), 18-Benoit Pedretti (Sochaux) 17-Emmanuel Petit (Chelsea), 7-Robert Pires (Arsenal), 4-Patrick Vieira (Arsenal) 11-Sylvain Wiltord (Arsenal), 10-Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid)
Strikers: 9-Djibril Cisse (AJ Auxerre) 12-Thierry Henry (Arsenal)19-Steve Marlet (Fulham), 20-David Trezeguet (Juventus Turin)
