Ribery, Frey ruled out
CLAIREFONTAINE - Franck Ribery and Sebastien Frey have pulled out of France's squad for the friendly double-header against DR Congo and Spain this week.
Attacking midfielder Ribery sustained a thigh injury during his club side Bayern Munich's 2-1 victory over Hansa Rostock in the Bundesliga on Friday.
Les Bleus coach Raymond Domenech said: "Ribery is returning home because of a problem with his thigh.
"He will be out for at least three weeks."
Frey, who was likely to feature in Tuesday's 'A' international against Congo in Marbella, will also be unavailable to Domenech, according to a statement on the French Football Federation website.
Ribery was expected to start the senior international against Spain in Malaga on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Marseille midfielder Samir Nasri was forced off with an ankle injury late on in the 3-1 Coupe de France victory over Monaco on Sunday, but he will fly out to Spain with the rest of the Les Bleus squad on Monday evening.
Silva sits, Albelda starts for Spain
MADRID - Valencia midfielder David Silva has withdrawn from the Spain squad for Wednesday`s friendly against France due to injury.
Silva, who missed Valencia`s league match against Real Valladolid at the weekend, is struggling with a leg problem and joins injured Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa in pulling out of the match in Malaga.
Spain coach Luis Aragones is also still waiting on the fitness of Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, while teenage Barcelona forward Bojan Krkic is suffering from gastroenteritis.
Valencia outcast David Albelda is looking forward to the possibility of finally getting some playing time under his belt with Spain this week.
Albelda has not played for Valencia since being told just before Christmas that he did not feature in coach Ronald Koeman`s plans for the team.
However, despite his lack of domestic action Albelda was still called up by Spain coach Luis Aragones for Wednesday`s friendly against France, and the experienced midfielder is thrilled at the prospect of playing again.
"It is strange situation not to be able to compete with your club and then come to the national team, but it means a lot to be able to enjoy playing again," Albelda said in Marca
"A month has already passed (without playing). I am very well and I need to be calm about it."
