It’ll be a skeleton crew at training on Wednesday at the Commanderie. Indeed, nine Olympiens have been called up to represent their countries in international friendlies.

France

Raymond Domenech’s Les Bleus will play Argentina at the Stade de France in a friendly on Wednesday February 7. The France selector has recalled Franck Ribéry, who has quickly become the centrepiece of the team’s system. He also included Djibril Cissé for the first time since his injury against China in 2006. Finally, Julien Rodriguez (pictured) received the call for the France squad on Sunday night as cover for any defensive injuries that could arise before the match. So, these three OM players form part of a 23-man squad that met on Monday in Enghien to prepare for the national team’s first match of 2007.

France U-23

Samir Nasri was called up by René Girard, France U-23 manager, to face Switzerland in a friendly match, which will take place on Wednesday February 7 in Nîmes (Stade des Costières). Kick off is set for 17:30.

Senegal

Habib Beye and Mamadou Niang were retained for the match against Benin. The friendly will kick off on Wednesday February 7 in Rouen.

Nigeria

OM’s two Nigerians, Taye Taiwo and Wilson Oruma, were called up by the national selector to take on Ghana in a friendly match in London on Tuesday February 6.

Slovenia

Bostjan Cesar’s Slovenia will play a friendly against Estonia in Domzale on Wednesday February 7. This should provide a chance for the OM player, who hasn’t played much recently, to get some much-need game time under his belt.