Rebels Evra, Ribery get France recalls

Two of France’s World Cup rebels Patrice Evra and Franck Ribery were called up for international duty yesterday for the first time since a troubled 2010 World Cup saw them hit with sanctions.

Coach Laurent Blanc named former captain Evra and Bayern Munich winger Ribery in the 23-man squad to face Luxembourg away in a Euro 2012 qualifier on March 25 and a friendly with Croatia in Paris four days later.

Highly-rated left-back Evra has now served a five-match ban for his leading role in a World Cup training ground strike.

Senior squad member Ribery picked up a three-match ban for his role in the strike, but his absence was prolonged by injury.

Blanc had described Ribery as “indispensable”, while Manchester United left-back Evra had been in competition for a starting place with Barcelona’s Eric Abidal, who underwent surgery on a liver tumour yesterday.

“Two players have been chosen for each post. He’s one of the best left-backs around,” said Blanc of Evra.

Blanc also had a word for Abidal.

“There was saddening news on Tuesday (the discovery of Abidal’s tumour). I had him on the phone and he told me what you all now know,” Blanc said.