Saha back in France squad, Trezeguet omitted

France coach Raymond Domenech yesterday recalled striker Louis Saha for this month's Euro 2008 qualifiers in the Faroe Islands and at home to Lithuania.

Saha, who has just returned to action for English Premier League champions Manchester United after being hampered by a knee injury, has not featured for France since a 1-0 friendly win over Greece in November last year.

Juventus striker David Trezeguet, who has scored seven goals in Serie A this season, has been left out after failing to score in France's 1-0 defeat by Scotland last month.

"There is a lot of competition between the strikers," Domenech told a news conference.

The midfield has a strong Arsenal flavour with Mathieu Flamini, Abou Diaby and Lassana Diarra in the squad.

Usual captain Patrick Vieira, who has struggled with a hamstring injury, has been left out while centre back William Gallas has been called up despite nursing a groin injury.

"He will start collective training with his club tomorrow and believes he has a chance to play on Sunday," Domenech said of Arsenal's Gallas.

World Cup finalists France, who are third in Group B, travel to the Faroe Islands on Oct. 13 before hosting Lithuania in Nantes four days later.

The squad:

Goalkeepers: Frey (Fiorentina), Landreau (Paris St Germain), Rame (Girondins Bordeaux).

Defenders: Abidal (Barce-lona), Escude (Sevilla), Evra (Manchester United), Gallas (Arsenal), Mexes (Roma), Sagna (Arsenal), Thuram (Barcelona).

Midfielders: Diaby (Arsenal), Diarra (Arsenal), Flamini (Arsenal), Makelele (Chelsea), Rothen (Paris St Germain), Toulalan (Olympique Lyon).

Forwards: Anelka (Bolton Wanderers), Benzema (Olympique Lyon), Govou (Olympique Lyon), Henry (Barcelona), Malouda (Chelsea), Ribery (Bayern Munich), Saha (Manchester United).