Desailly accepts rejection

The France captain Marcel Desailly understands why he was left out of Jacques Santini's squad for the forthcoming Euro 2004 qualifiers against Malta and Israel. The Chelsea defender has played only one match since France's 2-0 defeat in a friendly against Czech Republic on 12 February, and lacks fitness to compete in international matches.

"There is no problem for me at all," Desailly said. "I understand his decision very well. Santini works with continuity, something he has always done since his arrival. He gives priority to the collective side over the individual."

Playing against Malta on 29 March in Lens or Israel on 2 April in Palermo would have allowed Desailly to beat Didier Deschamps' record of 103 caps. But the 34-year-old admits he is not yet fit enough to be considered for a return to the starting line-up just yet.

"The fact that I am captain and that I was likely to beat Didier's cap record could not influence Santini's decision," he added. "I have not played an official match since 12 February, except the 10 minutes with Chelsea last Saturday and his decision is logical.

"I think that, after my injury, I need four consecutive matches to regain my level and as a consequence my place with the national team. I am going to have a series of four matches in the next two weeks and if I play them without any physical problem, I hope to be back to a competitive level."

He added: "I don't consider this non-selection like a sanction. I hope I will re-find my level fast and get rid of the pains which have been plaguing me the last month. I feel better and better. I just need time."

Another Chelsea player, Emmanuel Petit, was also left out of Santini's squad as the midfielder continues his own return to top form and fitness following injury worries.

Santini explained: "We didn't have any certainty about whether they would be able to play both matches against Malta and Israel. We were not reassured at all whether their form was worthy of international football.

"We contacted the players as well as Chelsea's medical staff, who told us of the elements which confirmed they couldn't play. I can understand that they will be disappointed, but nothing is easy in top-level football, especially in the France team."

* Papa Bouba Diop, who scored the winning goal in Senegal's World Cup victory over France last summer, has returned to his national side after being named as part of the squad for the African Nations Cup qualifier against the Gambia in Banjul on 30 March. Diop has been out with a groin injury since December. The midfielder joins his fellow African Footballer of the Year nominee El Hadji Diouf in the squad named by the new coach, Guy Stephan.