France coach Jacques Santini has confirmed he will recall Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires for next week’s international friendly against the Czech Republic in Paris.
Pires missed the 2002 World Cup finals after he tore a knee ligament last March and has not played for the natiional team since a 2-1 victory over Romania a year ago.
There will alsobe recalls for Bayern Munich defender Bixente Lizarazu and Juventus striker David Trezeguet, neitherof whom have represented France since the World Cup finals.
“I talked to them and I want to have them back in the squad. I want to see them playing for us,” Santini told l’Equipe on Wednesday.
Santini has enjoyed a promising start to his career as national coach, sicne replacing Roger Lemerre after the World Cup finals. Under his tenure France are unbeaten in their last five matches.