Pedretti out for qualifier clash with Ireland

FRANCE central midfielder Benoit Pedretti was yesterday ruled out of the World Cup qualifiers against Ireland and Cyprus next month.

The 23-year-old, who won his 17th cap against the Faroe Islands three weeks ago, is to undergo surgery on his left knee after suffering cartilage damage playing for Marseille against Bastia on Saturday night. He will be out of action for at least three weeks.

Meanwhile, former Arsenal favourite Sylvain Wiltord has boosted his hopes of a recall by pledging to play for France until the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

The 30-year-old Lyon striker, scorer of 22 goals in 65 games for the national team, has not been selected to date by new manager Raymond Domenech, who confirmed at the weekend he is looking for new sources of firepower.