Deschamps Drops Ben Arfa For France Friendly

Didier Deschamps has named his first France squad for the friendly against Uruguay next week and there’s no place for Toon maverick Hatem Ben Arfa.

AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFEFRANCK FIFE/AFP/GettyImages

In dropping Ben Arfa, along with Yann M’Vila, Deschamps said:

“Concerning two players, Yann M’Vila and Hatem Ben Arfa, I took the decision not to select them for this match.

“This decision seems logical and consistent to me given what I expect from the players in terms of attitude and behaviour. It’s up to them to understand this decision.”

Yohan Cabaye is reportedly injured (not fit due to being ill) and has been left out on those grounds.

Ben Arfa was involved in an argument with the previous France coach Laurent Blanc at Euro 2012. He escaped a ban at the recent FFF hearing. He also had a personality clash with Deschamps at Marseille between 2009-2012.

Newcastle skipper Fabricio Coloccini returns to International duty with Argentina next week.

For full list of Toon International away next week, click on Colo