Gonalons called up for France, replaces Matuidi

Maxime Gonalons, centre, has been called up to replace Blaise Matuidi for upcoming matches against Albania and Sweden. (Laurent Cipriani/AP Photo)

PARIS — France coach Didier Deschamps has called up Lyon midfielder Maxime Gonalons to replace the injured Blaise Matuidi for upcoming matches against Albania and Sweden.
Matuidi, a key member of the team that reached the World Cup quarterfinals, fractured two bones in his right hand playing for Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s 2-0 win over title rival Marseille.
Gonalons last played for France two years ago in a 2-1 win at Italy.
France plays Albania in Rennes on Friday and hosts Sweden in Marseille four days later.
Albania is in the same group as France in qualifying for the 2016 European Championship. But since France has automatically qualified as host, its matches don’t count for points for either team.

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