Payet replaces Fekir in France squad

The former West Ham playmaker could make his first appearance for his country in over a year after the Lyon star sustained an injury

Dimitri Payet has replaced the injured Nabil Fekir in France’s squad for their friendly against Iceland and Nations League tie with Germany.

Fekir was substituted just seven minutes into Lyon’s 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday after injuring his left ankle.

Payet has been in fine form for Marseille this season – scoring four goals in nine Ligue 1 appearances – and last played for his country in October 2017.

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The former West Ham playmaker was not selected for Les Bleus’ triumphant World Cup campaign after he was injured in Marseille’s Europa League final loss to Atletico Madrid.

Didier Deschamps has also recalled Mamadou Sakho, Kurt Zouma and Lucas Digne for October’s double-header.

Deschamps, winner of FIFA’s Best Men’s Coach award, also handed a first call-up to Fekir’s Lyon team-mate Tanguy Ndombele.

Les Bleus are unbeaten since winning the World Cup, and drew 0-0 with Germany in a UEFA Nations League encounter in their first outing following the triumph.

They then defeated Netherlands 2-1 three days later.