PARIS (AP) — France coach Didier Deschamps has included Franck Ribery in his final 23-man squad for the World Cup.
Deschamps named his squad last month, but officially submitted the list to FIFA late Monday, the French Football Federation said on its website.
There were reports prior to the friendly against Paraguay on Sunday that Ribery could be doubtful for the tournament in Brazil because of a niggling back injury. But Deschamps has already played down those fears, saying after the Paraguay game that he hopes the Bayern Munich winger will play some part in Sunday’s final warm-up match against Jamaica in Lille.
The only change to the squad announced on May 13 sees goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier replacing Steve Mandanda, who injured his neck playing for Marseille four days later.