Rio Mavuba has been called up by France for tomorrow's World Cup qualifier against Lithuania after fellow midfielder Abou Diaby was ruled out of the match because of injury.

Diaby, who plays for Arsenal, was withdrawn from the squad after sustaining a hip problem.

Lille anchorman Mavuba has been summoned by Les Bleus for the first time since March 2007 and will look to add to the six caps he has for his country.

With Jeremy Toulalan suspended for tomorrow's Group Seven encounter at the Stade de France, Diaby was in with a great chance of taking up a place in central midfield alongside Lassana Diarra.

That spot should now go to Bordeaux's Alou Diarra, although Samir Nasri and Mavuba are other options.