Nasri, Ben Arfa & M'Vila ignored in latest France squad

Oct 4, 2012 1:15:00 PM

A trio of big names have been dropped by coach Didier Deschamps for the forthcoming friendly against Japan and World Cup 2014 qualifer with Spain

Samir Nasri is the highest-profile absentee from the latest France squad along with two other surprise exclusions.

The Manchester City playmaker will play no part in Les Bleus’ friendly against Japan on October 12 and 2014 World Cup qualifier against fellow Group I opponents Spain, four days later.

Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila has also been dropped following a dip in form and demoted to the Under-21 squad, while Newcastle attacker Hatem Ben Arfa’s absence is more surprising considering his excellent form in the Premier League.

France No.1 Hugo Lloris is included despite not having cemented a first-team spot at his new club, Tottenham, while fellow familiar faces such as Franck Ribery, Karim Benzema and Patrice Evra are also included.

Arsenal duo Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud are involved, while Paris Saint-Germain have the most players in the squad with four - Christophe Jallet, Mamadou Sakho, Blaise Matuidi and Jeremy Menez.

France squad

Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda, Mickael Landreau.

Defenders: Gael Clichy, Mathieu Debuchy, Patrice Evra, Christophe Jallet, Laurent Koscielny, Adil Rami, Mamadou Sakho, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.

Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye, Etienne Capoue, Lassana Diarra, Maxime Gonalons, Blaise Matuidi, Moussa Sissoko, Mathieu Valbuena.

Attackers: Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud, Bafetimbi Gomis, Jeremy Menez, Franck Ribery.

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