Martial back in France squad after Man Utd star was snubbed for World Cup 2018 campaign
Didier Deschamps has recalled striker for Euro 2020 qualifying clashes against Moldova and Iceland on March 22 and 25
ANTHONY MARTIAL has won back his place in the France squad after being snubbed for last summer's World Cup campaign.
Boss Didier Deschamps has recalled the Manchester United striker for Euro 2020 qualifying clashes against Moldova and Iceland on March 22 and 25.
Martial, 23, had to watch on from home as his French team-mates won the World Cup in July after a 4-2 win over Croatia in Russia.
Injuries have disrupted his season and he pulled out of November's internationals against Holland and Uruguay with an abductor problem.
Deschamps insists Martial, who made his latest comeback from injury against Arsenal on Sunday, has always been a part of his plans.
The France manager said: "He has always been part of this French group.
France squad to play Moldova and Iceland
Goalkeepers: Areola, Lloris, Mandanda
Defenders: Digne, Kimpembe, Kurzawa, Pavard, Sidibe, Umtiti, Varane, Zouma
Midfielders: Kante, Matuidi, Ndombele, Pogba, Sissoko
Forwards: Coman, Fekir, Giroud, Griezmann, Martial, Mbappe, Thauvin
"Sometimes he has been taken, sometimes he hasn't.
"He had some slight fitness concerns, but when he is in full control of his ability in beating players, he has all the attacking qualities required.”
Martial has scored 11 goals in all competitions this season, equalling his tally for last term.
His inclusion comes at the expense of Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette.
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Gunners fans have fumed over their star man's snubbing, branding Deschamps "horrible" and the squad a "joke".
Olivier Giroud is the other Premier League forward named in the 23-man squad.
Kingsley Coman, Nabil Fekir, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Florian Thauvin make up the strikers.
Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele is unavailable after suffering a hamstring injury in Barcelona's Champions League win over Lyon on Wednesday.