Abou Diaby, Menez picked for French squad

France coach Didier Deschamps has recalled injury-prone midfielder Abou Diaby and winger Jeremy Menez for 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Finland and Belarus next month.

Diaby's last competitive match for France was against Belarus in a European Championship qualifier in June last year.

The powerful midfielder missed Euro 2012 after injuries restricted him to four substitute appearances for Arsenal in the Premier League. But he has started both league games for Arsenal this season.

Menez, meanwhile, was suspended for one match by the French Football Federation for being disrespectful toward France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and a match referee during Euro 2012. Menez's suspension saw him miss a 0-0 draw with Uruguay in a friendly earlier this month.

France plays in Finland on September 7 and hosts Belarus four days later.


 

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