Arsenal captain William Gallas has been called up by France coach Raymond Domenech for the World Cup finalist's must-win Euro 2008 qualifiers against the Faroe Islands and Lithuania later this month.
Defender Gallas has been sidelined with a groin injury since August 19 and missed France's last three games, including their 1-0 loss to Scotland which leaves them facing a worrying campaign to reach the finals.
But Patrick Vieira and David Trezeguet have both been left out of the 23-man squad named Thursday to travel to Torshavn on October 13 and to host Lithuania in Nantes four days later.
Inter Milan midfielder Vieira has not played since picking up a thigh injury during France's defeat to Scotland last month, while leading Serie A goalscorer Trezeguet, who failed to impress against the Scots, lost out to Louis Saha.
Domenech said that Vieira had been reluctant to play because of his injury after playing France's last two games against his club's wishes, while Trezeguet was left out because he was spoilt for choice in attack.
"We took the decision together (with Vieira) .. which was wisest. He has to continue to prepare with his club, we agreed on that," said Domenech.
"As for David Trezeguet, it's about competition, there was a choice to make. The list isn't closed we'll have another match in the Ukraine (November 21). I'm not closing the door on anyone."
Meanwhile, in-form Paris Saint Germain midfielder Jerome Rothen gets another chance to impress Domenech after missing the trip to Slovakia through injury.
Rothen, who is expected to cover for Florent Malouda on the left wing, has not played for France since a friendly against Germany in November 2005.
Scotland are top of Group B ahead of World Cup winners Italy with France third and needing to win all their last three games to reach next year's finals.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Mickael Landreau (Paris SG), Sebastien Frey (Fiorentina/ITA), Ulrich Rame (Bordeaux)
Defenders: Eric Abidal (FC Barcelona/ESP), Julien Escude (Sevilla/ESP), Patrice Evra (Manchester United/ENG), William Gallas (Arsenal/ENG), Philippe Mexes (AS Roma/ITA), Bakary Sagna (Arsenal/ENG), Lilian Thuram (FC Barcelona/ESP)
Midfielders: Abou Diaby (Arsenal), Lassana Diarra (Chelsea/ENG), Mathieu Flamini (Arsenal), Claude Makelele (Chelsea/ENG), Jerome Rothen (Paris SG), Jeremy Toulalan (Lyon)
Strikers: Nicolas Anelka (Bolton/ENG), Karim Benzema (Lyon), Sidney Govou (Lyon), Thierry Henry (FC Barcelona/ESP), Florent Malouda (Chelsea/ENG), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich/GER), Louis Saha (Manchester United/ENG)
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