France leave out Viera for World cup qualifier

French coach Raymond Domenech left out veteran midfielder Patrick Vieira for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Romania and Serbia but expressed the hope the Inter Milan star would soon be back in the frame.

"I always have hope - he is not finished, he is on the way back, but a little short of (match) fitness at the moment, However, I hope he will be back soon," Domenech said of the 1998 world champion, who played half of his club Inter Milan's opening league match last weekend in a draw with Bari.

Vieira has not played in the French national side since a poor showing in a June friendly with Nigeria which brought the 33-year-old a 107th cap. He missed the 1-0 away win over the Faroe Islands on August 12.

Fellow 1998 star Thierry Henry of Barcelona is in the squad as are Arsenal quartet William Gallas, Abou Diaby, Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy.

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is also in and Patrice Evra of Manchester United completes the England-based contingent.

Karim Benzema is also in as the striker prepares for a league debut this weekend with Real Madrid following his move from Lyon.

France Squad

Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux)

Defenders: Eric Abidal (Barcelona/ESP), Gael Clichy (Arsenal/ENG), Julien Escudé (Sevilla/ESP), Patrice Evra (Manchester United/ENG), Rod Fanni (Rennes), William Gallas (Arsenal/ENG), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal/ENG), Sebastien Squillaci (Sevilla/ESP)

Midfielders: Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Abou Diaby (Arsenal/ENG), Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid/ESP), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Florent Malouda (Chelsea/ENG), Jeremy Toulalan (Lyon), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich/GER)

orwards: Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea/ENG), Karim Benzema (Lyon), Thierry Henry (Barcelona/ESP), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Loic Remy (Nice)