Ben Arfa in France squad for Germany, England

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France national team coach Didier Deschamps has announced his 23-man squad for upcoming friendlies against Germany and England, with Nice forward Hatem Ben Arfa returning after a three-year absence.

The Euro 2021 hosts welcome the World Cup holders to Stade de France on 13 November before facing old rivals England at Wembley three days later.

Les Bleus head into the clash in great spirits having won last four matches and they will certainly be looking to end the year on a high.

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema will not take part in said matches as he carries a thigh injury, while he also faces criminal charges for blackmailing Mathieu Valbuena, who is also out through a hamstring problem.

This is probably the reason why former Marseille star Andre-Pierre Gignac (21/5) returns to the side, with the 29-year-old having bagged 10 goals in 13 matches for Tigres UANL.

Bayern Munich starlet Kingsley Coman earns his first ever call-up having impressed since joining the Bavarians from Juventus, while Hatem Ben Arfa is back following some scintillating showings in French Ligue 1.

Juventus star Paul Pogba is back after missing the October friendlies through injury, but Benoit Tremoulinas remain outside of the squad.

France squad:

Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Benoit Costil (Rennes);

Defenders: Patrice Evra (Juventus), Christophe Jallet (Lyon), Eliaquim Mangala (Manchester City), Bacary Sagna (Manchester City), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Lucas Digne (AS Roma), Raphaël Varane (Real Madrid);

Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace), Lassana Diarra (Marseille), Blaise Matuidi (PSG), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Morgan Schneiderlin (Manchester United), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle);

Forwards: Andre-Pierre Gignac (Tigres UANL), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Anthony Martial (Manchester United), Hatem Ben Arfa (Nice), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich).