Cisse recalled as Les Bleus bid to halt Spain’s conquistadors
Coach Raymond Domenech has a number of injuries to contend with, with William Gallas, Eric Abidal, Andre-Pierre Gignac, Karim Benzema and Sebastien Squillaci all out, while Everton striker Louis Saha was forced to pull out with ankle and hamstring problems. Now in-form striker Djibril Cisse of Panathinaikos has been drafted in to win his first cap since May 2008.
Cisse, formerly of Liverpool and Sunderland, has been in outstanding form in Greece, scoring 25 goals this season. “I’m going to push myself to the limits,” said Cisse.
“I have the chance to shine. I’m going to show what I can do.”
Domenech said: “We know that Spain is one of the World Cup favourites along with Brazil. This match is offering us the chance to see where we stand.”
Henry, France’s all-time leading scorer with 51 goals in 117 games, is set to play despite losing his starting spot at Barcelona. “It’s not like I hadn’t played the whole season,” Henry said.
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has been able to recall striker Fernando Torres, who scored for Liverpool last weekend after a month out.
“We really want to play them, especially since they knocked us out of the last World Cup,” Torres said.
Striker partner Alvaro Negredo will hope to further his claims for a World Cup berth tonight.
Negredo, 24, has a mixed time of it for Sevilla, netting his first Champions League goal in last week’s 1-1 draw at CSKA Moscow but also being sent off twice in his last three league games as well as scoring an own goal.
“There’s still a fair bit of time for the World Cup, but to be here is an important step,” said Negredo.
Since losing to Romania in November 2006, Spain have won 41 (two after extra time) of 44 matches, their only defeat coming against the USA at last summer’s Confederations Cup.
For their part, USA face Holland tonight. Holland’s preparations ahead of tonight’s game have received a boost after coach Bert van Marwijk agreed a new two-year contract extension that will see the 57-year-old remain in charge through to the 2012 European Championships.
Germany coach Joachim Low has talked up the importance of his captain Michael Ballack ahead of the friendly with Argentina in Munich (7.45pm).
Chelsea star Ballack’s role in the team has come under scrutiny in recent months but Low is adamant the Chelsea midfielder is key to his plans.
“Michael is an unbelievably important player who leads the younger players,” he said. “His presence in the squad is of huge importance.”
Argentina boss Diego Maradona is likely to include Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano and Barcelona star Lionel Messi, while Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain is set to play a lone attacking role.
“Argentina have outstanding individuals. We must not make many mistakes,” said Low.
Low expects an attacking approach from a team coached by Maradona.
“The Argentinians play attacking football and that philosophy certainly stems from the coach.”
Italy face Cameroon without injured Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Grosso, Gianluca Zambrotta, Vincenzo Iaquinta and Gaetano D’Agostino, but coach Marcello Lippi will give debuts to Bari’s Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Cossu of Cagliari.
Elsewhere West Ham’s Jack Collison is set to take over Aaron Ramsey’s creative role for Wales behind the front two against Sweden tonight.
Collison said: “It’s devastating to see that happen to any professional, it’s horrible. He’s a friend and a team-mate and as a group we all wish him a speedy recovery.”
Northern Ireland are in Albania tonight, but defender Jonny Evans is out with a knee problem. Scotland’s Kris Boyd could make his return from self-imposed international exile against the Czech Republic at Hampden tonight. The Rangers striker is on the bench for Craig Levein’s side.
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