Eric Abidal’s remarkable return to fitness following surgery on a liver tumour was today rewarded with a recall to the France national side.

Lille claimed their first Ligue 1 title in 57 years as both they and nearest challengers Marseille drew this evening.

Patrice Evra and Franck Ribery were today included in the France squad for the first time since the World Cup.

Nice beat Lyon 1-0 after extra-time in the only all-Ligue 1 tie of today’s Coupe de France last-32 action.

Karim Benzema could return for France in Tuesday’s Euro 2012 qualifying clash with Bosnia-Herzegovina, but Guillaume Hoarau has been ruled out.

France coach Laurent Blanc today named Everton striker Louis Saha in his 21-man squad and called up Lorient forward Kevin Gameiro for the first time ahead of next month’s Euro 2012 qualifying double header.

Norway 2 France 1

Forwards Karim Benzema and Hatem Ben Arfa are among the biggest names in Laurent Blanc’s first France squad, for next week’s friendly in Norway.

France reserve goalkeeper Steve Mandanda insists everyone involved in France’s World Cup failure must accept their punishment from new coach Laurent Blanc.

Dynamo Kiev 3 Paris St Germain 0 (Dynamo win 3-0 on aggregate)

CHELSEA have been hit by the loss of Nicolas Anelka for around three weeks.

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka will miss France’s World Cup qualification double-header against Lithuania after being ruled out for around three weeks because of a toe injury.

Manchester City 0 Paris St Germain 0