Nasri dropped from France squad

Samir Nasri is the highest-profile absentee from the latest France squad along with two other surprise exclusions.

The Manchester City playmaker will play no part in the friendly against Japan on October 12 and the World Cup qualifier against fellow Group I opponents Spain, four days later.

Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila has also been dropped following a dip in form and demoted to the Under-21 squad, while Newcastle attacker Hatem Ben Arfa’s absence is more surprising considering his excellent form in the Premier League.

France No.1 Hugo Lloris is included despite not having cemented a first-team spot at his new club, Tottenham, while fellow familiar faces such as Franck Ribery, Karim Benzema and Patrice Evra are also in the squad.

Arsenal duo Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud are involved, while Paris Saint-Germain have the most players named – Christophe Jallet, Mamadou Sakho, Blaise Matuidi and Jeremy Menez.

France squad: Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda, Mickael Landreau.

Defenders: Gael Clichy, Mathieu Debuchy, Patrice Evra, Christophe Jallet, Laurent Koscielny, Adil Rami, Mamadou Sakho, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.

Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye, Etienne Capoue, Lassana Diarra, Maxime Gonalons, Blaise Matuidi, Moussa Sissoko, Mathieu Valbuena.

Strikers: Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud, Bafetimbi Gomis, Jeremy Menez, Franck Ribery.