Sagna and Alessandrini called up to France squad

PARIS (AP) -France coach Didier Deschamps has recalled Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna and handed a first call up to winger Romain Alessandrini for next Wednesday's friendly match against Germany.

Sagna missed out on last year's European Championship as he recovered from a broken leg and is set to make his first international appearance since September 2011. Alessandrini has been in outstanding form this season for Rennes.

France has played well since Deschamps took charge after Euro 2012, securing a 1-1 draw at European champion Spain in World Cup qualifying and winning 2-1 at Italy in a friendly match.

Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, who scored in Wednesday's 1-1 draw against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semifinals, could make his first international appearance at Stade de France.