Sagnol looks to return for France

Bayern Munich defender Willy Sagnol has made France’s next two World Cup qualifiers his top priority after shaking off an ankle injury.

The 27-year-old right-back, who has won 27 caps with Les Bleus, has featured in only one international match – a goalless draw with Poland last November - since Euro 2004.

Having suffered a serious ankle injury at the start of December, Sagnol has finally resumed playing with the Bundesliga pacesetters.

But he admits that he must convince national coach Raymond Domenech that his services will be needed when France take on Switzerland on March 26 and Israel four days later.

“Both matches will be crucial for Les Bleus and I definitely hope I will be part of the group,” said Sagnol in L’Equipe on Wednesday.

“I have talked a lot with Domenech and I know I have his trust. Physically I know that I will be in top form by then so there should not have any problem.”

Sagnol is aware that he is up against William Gallas and newcomer Jonathan Zebina, who showed his quality in France’s latest 1-1 draw with Sweden on February 9, for a starting berth.

If the right-back berth is out of reach, Sagnol admits he is ready to change position and become a midfielder should it allow him to stay with France.

“This is a possibility which I mentioned to the coach,” he said, “but it will depend on a few things”.

Sagnol watched France’s performance against Sweden and is convinced the team is back on the right track after a woeful second half of 2004, where they were held by Israel and escaped with a 0-0 draw against Ireland at the Stade de France.

“I saw many great things against Sweden, especially in the first half,” he added. “(Vikash) Dhorasoo brought a lot to the team thanks to his technical qualities. All this is very encouraging.”