Gourcuff returns to France squad to face Italy, but Benzema misses out

08-Nov-2012 6:35:00 PM

The Lyon playmaker has earned a recall following his recent club form, while the Real Madrid striker misses out due to injury and there is no place for Hatem Ben Arfa

Yoann Gourcuff has been called up to the France squad for the friendly match against Italy next week.

The Lyon midfielder has featured in the last few matches for his club after struggling with injury in the early part of the campaign, and has been rewarded with a recall to Didier Deschamp's side for the game in Parma.

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema misses out due to injury, as does Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa, who is yet to force his way back into Didier Deschamps' plans following his disciplinary problems at Euro 2012.

Veteran midfielder Steed Malbranque also misses out on a place, despite recent reports suggesting he could earn a surprise call-up to the squad.

Les Bleus will travel to Italy to take on the Euro 2012 finalists on Wednesday November 14.

Squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Mickael Landreau (Lille), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Steve Mandanda (Olympique de Marseille)

Defenders: Gael Clichy (Manchester City), Mathieu Debuchy (Lille), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Christophe Jallet (Paris Saint-Germain), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Adil Rami (Valencia), Mamadou Sakho (Paris Saint-Germain), Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa (Montpellier)

Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle), Etienne Capoue (Toulouse), Yoann Gourcuff (Olympique Lyonnais), Maxime Gonalons (Olympique Lyonnais), Blaise Matuidi (Paris Saint-Germain), Moussa Sissoko (Toulouse), Mathieu Valbuena (Olympique de Marseille)

Forwards: Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Bafetimbi Gomis (Olympique Lyonnais), Jeremy Menez (Paris Saint-Germain), Dimitri Payet (Lille), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)

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