Ben Arfa a French fixture for Blanc

PARIS (AFP) – French coach Laurent Blanc confirmed on Sunday that want-away Marseille star Hatem Ben Arfa would certainly be in line for selection for Euro-2012 qualifiers next month despite his uncertain club future.

Ben Arfa has refused to play for the French champions so far this season and is determined to land a transfer – possibly to English Premier League side Newcastle.

But asked if the on-off transfer saga might affect his availability for France, Blanc said: “Not selectable? Says who? Ben Arfa has been pre-selected for matches in September. He is a good lad,” Blanc told French television.

With Blanc having replaced Raymond Domenech after a disastrous World Cup, France take on Belarus on September 3 at Stade de France before travelling to Sarajevo to take on Bosnia four days later.

Blanc will be without World Cup captain Patrice Evra, star midfielder Franck Ribery and Lyon’s Jeremy Toulalan who were all suspended for five, three and one match respectively for their roles in the players strike at the World Cup finals.