Henry returns to France national fold

Thierry Henry was today recalled to the France squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa qualifying double-header against Romania and Serbia but there was still no place for Patrick Vieira.

Barcelona striker Henry missed Les Bleus’ 1-0 win against the Faroe Islands earlier this month due to an Achilles injury but is now fit ahead of the start of the new La Liga season. France coach Raymond Domenech has been true to his word with Vieira after stating he would only recall the former Arsenal midfielder if he played more games.

Vieira started Inter Milan’s 1-1 draw with Bari at the weekend but was taken off at half-time, with coach Jose Mourinho opting instead for the more offensive-minded Ricardo Quaresma. France hosts Romania at the Stade de France on 5 September before going to Serbia four days later.

Domenech’s side are currently second in Group 7, five points behind Serbia, but they have played a game less.

France squad: Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux), Hugo Lloris (Lyon) Steve Mandanda (Marseille); Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Gael Clichy (Arsenal), Julien Escude (Sevilla), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Rod Fanni (Rennes), William Gallas (Arsenal), Bakary Sagna (Arsenal), Sebastien Squillaci (Sevilla); Abou Diaby (Arsenal), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Jeremy Toulalan (Lyon); Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Loic Remy (Nice), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)