Ribery and Escude back in training

France playmaker Franck Ribery and defender Julien Escude both shook off knocks to complete a full training session on Monday ahead of a crunch World Cup qualifer away against group leaders Serbia.

Both players were slightly injured during France’s 1-1 draw at home with Romania on Saturday but the French management said the duo took part in training as normal.

Ribery, who injured his calf, has had an injury-plagued close season, barely playing for Bayern Munich thus far this campaign and failing to make an impression after coming on against Romania as a 57th-minute replacement.

Escude, who scored an own goal against the Romanians, picked up an injury to his quadriceps.

Serbia lead France by four points in Group Seven with just three matches remaining so victory on Wednesday for the hosts would leave coach Raymond Domenech and the French scrambling to make the finals in South Africa next year.