Micoud wins French recall

Back in favour
Coach Jacques Santini has rewarded Micoud for his sparkling form with Bundesliga leaders Bremen by recalling the 30-year-old, who has not played for his country since France's early exit at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Scoring form
A former FC Girondins de Bordeaux and Parma AC player, Micoud's prospects have never been helped by the fact he shares a position with Zinedine Zidane but Santini could no longer ignore a player who has contributed nine goals in 23 games to aid Bremen's push for the title. "Considering his talent and his current performances we had to see him again in the French team," Santini said.

Giuly in, Anelka out
AS Monaco FC midfield player Ludovic Giuly also returns to the group after a foot injury, but there is still no place for Nicolas Anelka, the Manchester City FC forward who made an apology to Santini on his website earlier this month following a public disagreement between the two men.

Comments
Anelka apologised for the disrespectful comments he had made towards Santini in November 2002 when he declined the opportunity to replace the injured Sidney Govou in a squad. Anelka told Paris Match magazine at the time that Santini would have to kneel in front of him and beg forgiveness for not taking him as first choice.

Striking options
The coach will therefore rely on usual suspects Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet to provide a goal threat, with Olympique Lyonnais striker Péguy Luyindula and Olympique de Marseille's Steve Marlet offering back-up. After scoring on his debut last month Manchester United FC's Louis Saha misses out because of injury, along with Lyon forward Govou and Arsenal FC's Sylvain Wiltord, who is also injured.

France squad
Barthez, Coupet, Boumsong, Desailly, Silvestre, Gallas, Lizarazu, Thuram, Sagnol, Makelele, Dacourt, Vieira, Pires, Zidane, Giuly, Micoud, Henry, Trezeguet, Marlet, Luyindula.