France call Diaby and Diarra

Midfield duo Abou Diaby and Lassana Diarra are called up by France for the first time.

Midfield duo Abou Diaby and Lassana Diarra have been named in the France squad for the double-header against Lithuania and Austria later this month.

Arsenal's Diaby (pictured) and Chelsea's Diarra are not regulars for their clubs but have still done enough to be called up by their country for the first time.

Coach Raymond Domenech has also named Marseille's teenage striker Samir Nasri and Monaco frontman Frederic Piquionne in his 23-man squad.

"They are young players, they are playing - and for big clubs. It will be interesting to see them," said Domenech.

"I already have an idea about those who will start against Lithuania.

"We have injuries so it isn't an easy time for us. Both matches are important for us."

Domenech is without injured stars Thierry Henry, Franck Ribery, Louis Saha and captain Patrick Vieira, but there is no place for Juventus striker David Trezeguet.

Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka is selected alongside former Liverpool man Djibril Cisse.

Arsenal defender William Gallas is back, and there are also recalls for Lyon forwards Sylvain Wiltord and Karim Benzema, who return after long-term thigh injuries.

Les Bleus, who are level with Scotland at the top of Group B, play Lithuania in a Euro 2008 qualifier in Kaunas on 24th March and Austria in a friendly four days later in Paris.

Full squad: Coupet (Lyon), Landreau (Paris St Germain); Abidal (Lyon), Escude (Sevilla), Mexes (Roma), Squillaci, Clerc (both Lyon), Gallas (Arsenal), Sagnol (Bayern Munich), Thuram (Barcelona); Diaby (Arsenal), Makelele (Chelsea), Nasri (Marseille), Diarra (Chelsea), Mavuba (Bordeaux), Toulalan (Lyon); Anelka (Bolton), Cisse (Marseille), Malouda, Benzema, Govou, S Wiltord (all Lyon), Piquionne (Monaco).