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France coach Raymond Domenech has included Franck Ribery in his squad to face the Faroe Islands in a World Cup qualifier even though the Bayern Munich playmaker is nursing an injury to his left knee.

Ribery had said last week he would not be fit to play in the match on August 12 in Torshavn.

"Franck did not tell me he could not play but only that he could not play for 90 minutes," Domenech said. "He can play a bit if necessary, I think 30 minutes should be possible."

Domenech left out midfielder and captain Patrick Vieira, who has been struggling lately and is expected to leave Internazionale to get more first-team football.

"Pat (Vieira) has to play at club level and be competitive if he wants to play for France," Domenech said. "He knows it."

Defenders Jean-Alain Boumsong and Gael Clichy were also overlooked, both having fitness worries.

Two uncapped players, Bordeaux goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso and Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko, featured in the 22-man squad.

"I like to look at the future," Domenech said about picking the 19-year-old Sissoko. "He was very competitive with the U21 side."

France lie second in Group 7 with 10 points from five matches, eight points behind leaders Serbia, who have played two more games.

"Against the Faroe Islands I want three points and that's it," said Domenech, whose team face a struggle to qualify.

France squad:

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

Defenders: Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Julien Escude (Sevilla), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Rod Fanni (Rennes), William Gallas (Arsenal), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Sebastien Squillaci (Sevilla)

Midfielders: Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Moussa Sissoko (Toulouse), Jeremy Toulalan (Lyon)

Forwards: Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Loic Remy (Nice), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)

Reuters