Les Bleus call up Saha

Saha: International chance

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Striker Louis Saha has been called up to the France squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Belarus and Bosnia-Herzegovina, as nine players from the World Cup debacle are recalled to action.

Les Bleus coach Laurent Blanc has opted for Everton forward Saha, while Lorient frontman Kevin Gameiro is named for the first time as the French prepare for the double-header next month, taking on Belarus on 3rd September and Bosnia four days later.

Marseille winger Hatem Ben Arfa and Barcelona defender Eric Abidal have not been included, while a number of players are suspended following their actions in South Africa, and Lyon left-back Aly Cissokho is injured.

It was a World Cup to forget for France as not only did they crash out in the group stage, but became embroiled in a series of farcical events which eventually resulted in a government enquiry.

Insult

Nicolas Anelka was sent home after insulting then coach Raymond Domenech at half-time during a game, and the players decided to embark on an open revolt against the management.

Captain Patrice Evra led the mutiny with the backing of his team-mates, and later was caught on camera having an argument with the fitness coach.

New boss Blanc suspended all 23 members of the World Cup squad for the friendly against Norway earlier in the month, but nine players on duty in South Africa have now been recalled.

Goalkeepers Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda and Cedric Carrasso, Arsenal trio Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna and Abou Diaby, Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda, Bordeaux's Alou Diarra and Marseille's Mathieu Valbuena all return.

However, Evra misses out as he has been suspended for five games by the French Football Federation's disciplinary committee, and Franck Ribery will sit out three matches.

Lyon midfielder Jeremy Toulalan must serve a one-game ban, while Anelka's international career is effectively over after he was handed a whopping 18-match suspension.

France squad in full:

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

Defenders: Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Adil Rami (Lille), Philippe Mexes (Roma), Mamadou Sakho (Paris St Germain), Benoit Tremoulinas (Bordeaux), Gael Clichy (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille), Jeremy Menez (Roma), Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Yann M'Vila (Rennes), Abou Diaby (Arsenal), Florent Malouda (Chelsea).

Strikers: Kevin Gameiro (Lorient), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Loic Remy (Marseille), Louis Saha (Everton), Guillaume Hoarau (Paris St Germain).