Patrice Evra has been overlooked by France despite being available again following a suspension.
United defender overlooked, but Koscielny called up for first time
Patrice Evra has been overlooked by France ahead of their friendly date with Brazil on 9th February despite being available again following a suspension.
The Manchester United full-back was handed a five-match ban by the French authorities for the part he played in the country's shambolic showing at the 2010 World Cup.
As national skipper in South Africa, Evra was adjudged to have stoked the flames within the camp and instigated a player strike.
His punishment for any misdemeanour he may have carried out has now been served and he is in contention again for an international call-up.
Influence
France coach Laurent Blanc has opted against drafting Evra back into the fold, though, following calls from leading ministers for the World Cup rebels to remain on the outside of the camp.
Blanc insists he was in no way influenced by others, with the decision entirely his own, but he has chosen not to rock the boat.
Another of those to have recently served a ban, Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery, is also missing, but that is due to injury.
Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny, having impressed over recent weeks, is called up for the first time and will be hoping to make his debut at Stade de France.
France squad to face Brazil on 9th February:
Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux)
Defenders: Anthony Reveillere (Lyon), Gael Clichy (Arsenal), Philippe Mexes (Roma), Adil Rami (Lille), Mamadou Sakho (Paris St Germain), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Abou Diaby (Arsenal), Yohan Cabaye (Lille), Yoann Gourcuff (Lyon), Yann M'Vila (Rennes), Blaise Matuidi (St Etienne)
Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Kevin Gameiro (Lorient), Guillaume Hoarau (Paris St Germain), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Loic Remy (Marseille), Jeremy Menez (Roma)
