France ready to use Arsenal back four
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France coach Raymond Domenech said on Thursday he could use Arsenal's back four for next week's friendly against Uruguay after recalling Mikael Silvestre.
Silvestre, who moved to Arsenal from Manchester United this summer, has 40 caps for France and last appeared for Les Bleus during the 2-0 win over Togo in the 2006 World Cup.
"We still have to settle for a pair in centre back. Mika (Silvestre) is playing again," Domenech said.
"He is an experienced player and his presence will allow us to bring the Arsenal defence together so no one will criticise me," he said, referring to Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger's popularity in France.
Domenech named the centre back in a 23-strong squad alongside four other Arsenal players, including Bakary Sagna, William Gallas and Gael Clichy, who made up the Gunners back four during their 2-1 win over Manchester United in the Premier League last weekend.
Midfielder Samir Nasri, who was not called up for France's last two games in October, was also picked to face Uruguay next Wednesday at the Stade de France in France. Nasri scored both goals in the win over United.
Nasri replaced Chelsea's Florent Malouda in the squad so France will be without any left-footer upfront.
"I don't think that Samir Nasri underperforms compared to any left-footed player when he plays as left midfielder, as he does with Arsenal," Domenech said.
He also named 30-year-old newcomer Steve Savidan in his squad for the game against Uruguay.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Steve Mandanda (Olympique Marseille), Hugo Lloris (Olympique Lyon), Yohann Pele (Le Mans)
Defenders: William Gallas (Arsenal), Philippe Mexes (AS Roma), Mikael Silvestre (Arsenal), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Bakary Sagna (Arsenal), Gael Clichy (Arsenal), Julien Escude (Sevilla), Rod Fanni (Stade Rennes)
Midfielders: Patrick Vieira (Inter Milan), Jeremy Toulalan (Lyon), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Lassana Diarra (Portsmouth), Samir Nasri (Arsenal), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux)
Forwards: Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Karim Benzema (Lyon), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Steve Savidan (Caen), Jimmy Briand (Rennes)
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Bo Cisse (Sunderland de)?
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injured i think
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I'm sure they wont play without Evra!