Nasri out of France squad

Arsenal midfielder out with thigh problem

Last updated: 19th August 2008

Samir Nasri Arsenal v West Brom

Nasri: Thigh problem

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Samir Nasri has been forced to withdraw from the France squad ahead of Wednesday's game against Sweden.

The Arsenal midfielder was not selected in Raymond Domenech's initial party but was called up on Monday following an injury to Hatem Ben Arfa.

However, he is suffering from a right thigh problem and has not been able to take part in full training.

It remains to be seen whether Nasri will be fit for Arsenal's Premier League game against Fulham on Saturday.

Clichy hope

The 21-year-old's Arsenal team-mate Gael Clichy is keen to make an impression as Domenech looks to build for the future after a disappointing Euro 2008.

Manchester United's Patrice Evra and Eric Abidal of Barcelona have been vying for the left-back spot in recent times but Clichy believes he can establish himself as a regular starter.

He explained in L'Equipe: "I hope to impress in Sweden. I have achieved a good last season with the Gunners. It is time for me to seize the opportunity.

"I play in a great club too. I have qualities and I believe I can bring something."

Mexes ambition

Roma defender Philippe Mexes, who was also left out of the squad for Euro 2008, is equally determined to take his chance.

Mexes has held clear-the-air talks with Domenech and feels he can now fill the void left by Lilian Thuram's retirement.

"We had a talk right in the eyes with Raymond Domenech," he told France Football. "We said what we think about each other.

"I think it was a very good talk for both of us. Until then, there was a kind of misunderstanding between us. Now it will allow us to start again from scratch.

"I have been a professional almost ten years, I don't want to lose more time.

"With the retirement of Tutu, there is a free position besides William Gallas, I will fight to get it."