FRANCE coach Raymond Domenech says the 23 players he has in camp at Tignes will make up his squad for the World Cup in South Africa.
Domenech had cut Mickael Landreau, Rod Fanni, Adil Rami, Yann M'Vila, Hatem Ben Arfa and Jimmy Briand from his original 30-man selection a week ago, and he then lost Lassana Diarra on Saturday after the Real Madrid midfielder was advised to rest for an indefinite period due to a stomach problem.
Domenech, who will be replaced by Laurent Blanc after the finals, told the French Football Federation website: "We know that the final list is due on June 1, but for us, all 23 are here. These are the 23 we are going to take with us."
He also admitted that Diarra's enforced withdrawal had made life easier for him as it meant he did not have to agonise over who would be the final player to be cut from the party.
"Lassana Diarra's problem was as much a heartbreaker, as it was a form of liberation. Indirectly, his departure has avoided having to tell a player he would have to go home," he continued.
"When you're 24, it is difficult to make that final decision."
Domenech, who will be replaced by Laurent Blanc after the finals, told the French Football Federation website: "We know that the final list is due on June 1, but for us, all 23 are here. These are the 23 we are going to take with us."
He also admitted that Diarra's enforced withdrawal had made life easier for him as it meant he did not have to agonise over who would be the final player to be cut from the party.
"Lassana Diarra's problem was as much a heartbreaker, as it was a form of liberation. Indirectly, his departure has avoided having to tell a player he would have to go home," he continued.
"When you're 24, it is difficult to make that final decision."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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