Malouda back in France fold

Vieira also returns for friendly double-header

Last updated: 26th May 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Malouda back in France fold

Malouda: Back in favour

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Florent Malouda has been recalled to the France national team by coach Raymond Domenech.

The Chelsea winger has not figured in his country's plans since making a cameo appearance during a friendly with Tunisia in October last year.

Malouda has been omitted from the fold since then after expressing criticism of Domenech's reign.

However, he has been awarded a second chance following his fine form at Stamford Bridge over the second half of the 2008/09 campaign.

He will be joined in the squad for June friendlies against Nigeria and Turkey by veteran midfielder Patrick Vieira, with the Inter Milan ace hoping to put an injury-ravaged season behind him.

"I recalled them because one has to be logical, and I am," said Domenech when asked whether turning to two men he has consistently overlooked in recent times represented a U-turn on his behalf.

"If certain players were not included of late it was because their performances were not good enough and those of their rivals were - that was the case of Malouda.

"And Vieira has started playing again after a difficult season. He is the captain of the national side, and if I did not pick him for these two friendlies, then I am not being logical."

France squad to play Nigeria and Turkey on 2nd and 5th June:

Goalkeepers: Cedric Carrasso (Toulouse), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille).

Defenders: Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Jean-Alain Boumsong (Lyon), Julien Escude (Sevilla), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Rod Fanni (Rennes), Philippe Mexes (Roma), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Sebastien Squillaci (Sevilla).

Midfielders: Abou Diaby (Arsenal), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Sidney Govou (Lyon), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Jeremy Toulalan (Lyon), Patrick Vieira (Inter Milan)

Forwards: Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Karim Benzema (Lyon), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Loic Remy (Nice).

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