Ribery Picked In France Squad Despite Injury

Ribery had said last week he would not be fit to play in the match on Aug. 12 in Torshavn.

France coach Raymond Domenech included Franck Ribery in his squad to face the Faroe Islands in next week's World Cup qualifier even though the Bayern Munich forward is nursing an injury to his left knee.

Ribery had said last week he would not be fit to play in the match on Aug. 12 in Torshavn.

"Franck did not tell me he could not play but only that he could not play for 90 minutes," Domenech told a news conference. "He can play a bit if necessary, I think 30 minutes should be possible."

Domenech left out midfielder and captain Patrick Vieira, who has been struggling lately.

"Pat (Vieira) has to play at club level and be competitive if he wants to play for France," Domenech said. "He knows it."

Defenders Jean-Alain Boumsong and Gael Clichy were also overlooked, both having fitness worries.

Two uncapped players, Girondins Bordeaux goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso and Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko, featured in the 22-man squad unveiled by Domenech on Monday.

"I like to look at the future," Domenech said about picking the 19-year-old Sissoko. "He was very competitive with the Under-21 side."

France lie second in Group Seven with 10 points from five matches, eight points behind leaders Serbia, who have played two more games.

"Against the Faroe Islands I want three points and that's it," said Domenech, whose team face a struggle to qualify.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Steve Mandanda (Olympique Marseille), Hugo Lloris (Olympique Lyon), Cedric Carrasso (Girondins Bordeaux)

Defenders: Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Julien Escude (Sevilla), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Rod Fanni (Stade Rennes), William Gallas (Arsenal), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Sebastien Squillaci (Sevilla)

Midfielders: Alou Diarra (Girondins Bordeaux), Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid), Yoann Gourcuff (Girondins Bordeaux), Moussa Sissoko (Toulouse), Jeremy Toulalan (Olympique Lyon)

Forwards: Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Loic Remy (Nice), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)