Jeremy Menez

9/11/2012

Jeremy Menez

Jeremy Menez

Menez recalled for World Cup qualifiers

Jeremy Menez has been recalled to the France squad for theWorld Cup qualifiers against Finland and Belarus in early

September.

The Paris St Germain forward was banned for one national team game after a hearing into confrontations with both Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli and his own goalkeeper Hugo Lloris during the Euro 2012 quarter-final defeat to Spain.

He was one of four players punished for their conduct during the tournament, with Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri still serving a three-match ban and midfielders Yann M'Vila and Hatem Ben Arfa also sitting out the August 15 friendly against Uruguay despite escaping with warnings.

The latter pair have also not been included in a 23-man group for next month's qualifying double-header, but coach Didier Deschamps has recalled Menez at the first opportunity following his suspension.

The 25-year-old joins Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, Franck Ribery of Bayern Munich, Arsenal's summer signing Olivier Giroud and Lyon's Bafetimbi Gomis among Deschamps' attacking options for his first competitive game in charge, with Jimmy Briand and Dimitri Payet dropping out from the squad which
faced Uruguay.

Lille's Marvin Martin is not involved in midfield, with Barclays Premier League pair Yohan Cabaye and Abou Diaby back in the squad after injury.

Adil Rami and Anthony Reveillere are back in defence in place of Lille full-back Mathieu Debuchy, who is suffering with a heel injury, and Real Madrid youngster Raphael Varane, while Lille's Mickael Landreau has been added as the third goalkeeper alongside Hugo Lloris and Steve Mandanda.