Gomis called in for Ribery

France have called up striker Bafetimbi Gomis for their crucial World Cup qualifiers as a replacement for Franck Ribery.

The 24-year-old, who has already won four caps, was added to the squad after star player Ribery pulled out with tendinitis in his left knee.

Les Blues take on the Faroe Islands on Saturday and Austria next Wednesday, but they face a tough task if they are going to avoid finishing second in Group Seven, which would leave them to fight it out in the play-offs.

Raymond Domenech’s side are currently four points behind group leaders Serbia, who only need a win against Romania to secure qualification for South Africa.

As well as the absent Ribery, France will also be without Yoann Gourcuff for their crunch games, leaving two of their most creative players sidelined.

Meanwhile, defender Sebastien Squillaci is a doubt for Saturday’s game after he suffered a rib injury in Sevilla’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid at the weekend.