Liverpool’s Nicolas Anelka will play no part in the World Cup, according to reports in the French media.
National coach Roger Lemerre is reported to have informed Anelka there is no place in the 23-man squad earlier this week.
Lemerre has yet to announce his final travelling party, but his decision to select Auxerre's Djibril Cisse for an eight-man training camp in the French Alps next week was regarded as a clear indication of his preference for the 20-year-old over Anelka.
Cisse, one of the hottest properties in the French league, is believed to be ahead of Anelka in the pecking order, despite the Liverpool striker’s impressive form since his loan move to Merseyside this season.
French officials have refused to comment on the issue and Lemerre has not responded to the reports. On Tuesday, Lyon midfielder Eric Carriere said Lemerre had already told him he would not be involved in the finals. Again, Lemerre made no comment, but Carriere maintained he had been contacted by the coach. "Lemerre told me that he had to make a choice with the World Cup in sight and I was not featured on his list," Carrier said. "He also asked me if I agreed to be ready until May 30th in case of a last-minute defection. "I respect his choice, I have always accepted decisions