French return for Anelka

Nicolas Anelka has been recalled to coach Jacques Santini's France squad for Wednesday's friendly against Yugoslavia after Sidney Govou was forced to withdraw because of injury.

Govou out
The Manchester City FC striker was left out of the initial party for the match, but he was the obvious choice once Olympique Lyonnais frontman Govou had to pull out. His recall offers Anelka the chance to re-ignite an international career in which he has won 28 caps.

Form returning
The 23-year-old last played for France in a goalless draw with Russia in April and he was not in Roger Lemerre's 2002 FIFA World Cup squad. However, he has shown signs of returning to the form displayed while at Arsenal FC and, in fits, at Real Madrid CF, scoring seven Premiership goals in 14 appearances this season.

Mexes in
Govou was forced out with an injury to his left knee suffered on club duty against FC Girondins de Bordeaux on Saturday night. Santini has also called up AJ Auxerre defender Philippe Mexes as cover for the possible withdrawal of FC Bayern München's Willy Sagnol.