Anelka earns France recall after three-year absence
The 26-year-old has not played for Les Bleus since refusing a call-up for a friendly against Yugoslavia in 2002.
National coach Raymond Domenech said: “Anelka is just one player selected for the matches against Costa Rica and Germany. His game is fast, he has plenty of pace and I am interested in those qualities.”
Another outcast, Arsenal’s Robert Pires, was not included and Domenech admits time is running out for those on the fringes ahead of next year’s World Cup finals.
“For those who don’t seem concerned by the World Cup, it is finished,” he added.
“The World Cup is six months away and players have to prove to me that they want to go. We have to prepare well and that is why we have arranged the two matches. It is important for the squad to be well prepared for the finals.”
France play Costa Rica on November 9 and Germany three days later.
Meanwhile, Anderlecht striker Nenad Jestrovic intends to launch a strong defence against a UEFA investigation into his sending off for alleged racist abuse of Liverpool’s Mohamed Sissoko.
The 29-year-old was sent off just five minutes after coming on in his side’s 3-0 defeat at Anfield on Tuesday after a verbal clash with Reds’ midfielder Sissoko.
Referee Kim Milton Nielsen cited racial abuse for his decision to show a straight red card and UEFA will examine the Danish official’s report into the incident.
Serbian international Jestrovic is determined to clear his name and said: “I have spoken to the (Anderlecht) president (Roger van den Stock) and we are going to send UEFA the video.
“Sissoko said to me in French **** off son of a bitch. He said the same thing in Brussels so I just said **** off man.
“I don’t understand why the referee sent me off. Sissoko didn’t hear it and he looked surprised when I was sent off. I have all the newspapers with him saying he didn’t hear.”
Jestrovic is anxious to avoid suffering the stigma of being branded a racist and added: “I’m not a racist.
“I participate in all the anti-racism events we have at Anderlecht and it’s difficult for me to think that everyone thinks I’m a racist, especially because I want to play in England one day. I like everyone and it’s not important to me what colour people are.”
Reading boss Steve Coppell has been named Coca-Cola Championship manager of the month for October after his side won four and drew two of their games during October.
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