France welcome back key trio

First appearances
Coach Jacques Santini announced a 20-man party for the match in Paris next Wednesday. The trio have yet to feature for the national side in the UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying campaign.

Lengthy absence
Pires missed the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals after tearing a ligament in his right knee in the FA Cup quarter-final between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United FC in March, and last played for the national side in the 2-1 victory over Romania in February 2002.

Impressive return
However, since Pires returned to action with the English champions, the 30-year-old midfield player has rediscovered his best form, scoring nine goals to date including both goals in last weekend’s 2-1 win against Fulham FC.

Knee problems
Juventus FC striker Trezeguet last played for his country in the 2-0 defeat against Denmark which completed a miserable World Cup campaign for the holders and sealed their first-round exit. He has since struggled with a knee injury which has ruled him out for the last six months.

Lizarazu back
Lizarazu, who also has not featured since the Denmark defeat, returns to the squad after Santini visited the full-back at FC Bayern München to determine his future with the national side.

Giuly rewarded
AJ Auxerre's Djibril Cissé is another to return, having missed the last three France games through injury. Meanwhile, AS Monaco FC's experienced midfield player Ludovic Giuly, who last appeared in October 2000 when France drew 1-1 with Cameroon, has been recalled by Santini.

Pedretti retains place
The France coach has kept faith with FC Sochaux-Montbéliard's young midfield player Benoït Pedretti, who made his international debut in November's 3-0 win against Yugoslavia in Paris. Manchester United FC goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, who was doubtful because of a thigh muscle injury, is also included.

Anelka absent
One notable name to be missing, however, is that of Nicolas Anelka of English side Manchester City FC. The striker is serving a two-match ban imposed by the French Football Federation after rejecting a late call-up to the squad for the match with Yugoslavia.

France squad
Barthez, Coupet, Desailly, Gallas, Lizarazu, Mexes, Silvestre, Thuram, Giuly, Makelele, Pedretti, Petit, Pires, Vieira, Wiltord, Zidane, Cissé, Henry, Marlet, Trezeguet.