Gourcuff back in France fold

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

The Lyon midfielder recently returned 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 Hate Ben Arfa, who is yet to force his way back into Didier Deschamps’ plans following 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.

France will take on the Euro 2012 finalists on Wednesday.

France squad:

Goalkeepers: Mickael Landreau (Lille), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Steve Mandanda (Olympique 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 Lyon), Maxime Gonalons (Olympique Lyon), Blaise Matuidi (Paris St Germain), Moussa Sissoko (Toulouse), Mathieu Valbuena (Olympique Marseille)

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