World Cup: Robert, Anelka still in contention

France coach Roger Lemerre has insisted the World Cup dreams of Laurent Robert and Nicolas Anelka were alive despite their absence from the national squad for the friendly against Romania.

The pair, left out by Lemerre, are both playing for teams in the Barclaycard Premiership title hunt following moves from Paris St Germain.

Robert has helped push Newcastle into championship contention and he scored from a spectacular 35-yard free-kick in their 3-1 victory over Southampton on Saturday.

Anelka, who joined Liverpool on loan before Christmas, has not made as much of an impact on Merseyside and his playing prospects do not look good with Reds striker Emile Heskey’s return to form.

Lemerre said: ‘‘Anelka is in direct competition with excellent strikers like Owen and Heskey, but everything remains possible for him.

‘‘It is the same for Robert, I saw his fantastic free-kick for Newcastle.

‘‘I know exactly what is happening for these two players and I am closely following their performances.’’