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)