Thursday, 7th November, 2013
French national team head coach Didier Deschamps has released his list of 24 players that will face the Ukraine in the World Cup qualification playoff.
France booked themselves a spot in the playoffs when they finished second in Group I of the European qualifiers for the World Cup, missing out on automatic qualification to leaders Spain.
France face a tall order against a capable side, with Ukraine looking to capitalise on the home advantage given them in the first leg.
Deschamps has opted to keep Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra in the line-up despite the player's recent issue with some French icons and the French Football Federation.
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Meanwhile, Rio Mavuba sees his name return to the national team squad sheet for his recent good form playing with Ligue 1 stalwarts Lille.
France, however, will place their faith in the likes of Olivier Giroud and Karim Benzema to provide the goalscoring threat up front.
Les Bleus are set to travel to the Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex on 15th November to face Ukraine, before the two face in the second leg four days later.
France squad in full:
Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda, Mickael Landreau
Defenders: Eric Abidal, Laurent Koscielny, Mamadou Sakho, Raphael Varane, Mathieu Debuchy, Patrice Evra, Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy
Midfielders: Mathieu Valbuena, Franck Ribery, Paul Pogba, Blaise Matuidi, Yohan Cabaye, Samir Nasri, Clement Grenier, Rio Mavuba, Moussa Sissoko
Forwards: Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud, Loic Remy, Dimitri Payet
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